Shloka 47
Draupadī-apaharaṇa-saṃdeśaḥ
Report of Draupadī’s Abduction and the Pāṇḍavas’ Pursuit
श्वेतच्छत्रै: पताकाभि ्षामरैश्न सुपाण्डुरै: । रथैनगि: पदातैश्न शुशुभेडतीव संकुला
śvetacchattraiḥ patākābhiḥ ṣāmaraiś ca supāṇḍuraiḥ | rathair nāgaiḥ padātaiś ca śuśubhe ’tīva saṅkulā ||
Sabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Pinalamutian ng mga puting payong, mga watawat, at mapuputlang pamaypay na chamara, at siksik sa mga karwahe, elepante, at mga kawal na naglalakad, ang tanawin ay nagningning nang marilag—lalo pang tumingkad ang karangyaan dahil sa mismong dikit-dikit na pagtitipon ng hukbo.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how royal authority and collective power are displayed through symbols (parasols, banners, attendants) and through the organized presence of the fourfold forces (chariots, elephants, infantry). It implicitly contrasts outward splendor with the weight of responsibility that accompanies such power.
Vaiśampāyana describes a grand, densely gathered martial or royal assembly. The crowd is visually striking—bright with white insignia and packed with chariots, elephants, and foot-soldiers—conveying the scale and magnificence of the gathering.