Mahabharata — Drona Parva, Shloka 26
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 107: Karṇa–Bhīma Saṃmarda
Arrow-storm Engagement
यथा श्वेतो महानागो देवराजचमूं तथा । नागो मणिमयो राज्ञो ध्वज: कनकसंवृत:
sañjaya uvāca |
yathā śveto mahānāgo devarājacamūṃ tathā |
nāgo maṇimayo rājño dhvajaḥ kanakasaṃvṛtaḥ ||
جس طرح سفید عظیم ہاتھی ایراوت دیوراج کی فوج کو زینت دیتا ہے، اسی طرح راجا دُریودھن کا سونے سے مزیّن علم، جواہرات جیسے گجراج کے نشان سے ممتاز ہو کر چمک رہا تھا۔
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward grandeur—banners, emblems, and comparisons to divine symbols—functions to project authority and morale in war; ethically, such splendor is not itself dharma, but a tool whose value depends on the righteousness of the side that wields it.
Sañjaya describes Duryodhana’s banner on the battlefield, saying it was gold-covered and distinguished by an elephant emblem, likening its prominence to Airāvata adorning Indra’s army.