Shloka 103
Udyoga-parva Adhyāya 47 — Arjuna’s Deterrent Declaration
Sañjaya’s Report
खड्गः कोशाज्नि:सरति प्रसन्नो हित्वेव जीर्णामुरगस्त्वचं स्वाम् । ध्वजे वाचो रौद्ररूपा भवन्ति कदा रथो योक्ष्यते ते किरीटिनू
sañjaya uvāca |
khaḍgaḥ kośād niḥsarati prasanno hitveva jīrṇām uragas tvacaṃ svām |
dhvaje vāco raudrarūpā bhavanti kadā ratho yokṣyate te kirīṭin ||
Wika ni Sañjaya: “Isang makinang na tabak ang dumudulas palabas ng kaluban, kumikislap—gaya ng ahas na naghubad ng lumang balat at muling nagningning. At mula sa aking watawat ay sumisiklab ang mabagsik at nakapanghihilakbot na sigaw: ‘O Kirīṭin (Arjuna), kailan ihahanda at ikakabit sa labanan ang iyong karwahe?’”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the moral gravity and inevitability felt before war: signs and symbols (weapon, banner) seem to compel action, reflecting how unresolved adharma and failed diplomacy can drive society toward violent duty-bound confrontation.
Sañjaya reports ominous, warlike portents: a sword gleams as it is drawn, likened to a snake shedding its skin, and fierce cries seem to issue from the banner, calling on Arjuna (Kirīṭin) to yoke his chariot for battle.