Shloka 24
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Anxiety and Bhīṣma’s Theological Explanation of Pāṇḍava Invincibility
Book 6, Chapter 61
ध्वजैस्तत्रापविद्धैश्व कार्मुकैस्तोमरैस्तथा । प्रासैस्तथा गदाभिश्न परिघै: कम्पनैस्तथा
sañjaya uvāca |
dhvajais tatrāpaviddhaiś ca kārmukais tomarais tathā |
prāsais tathā gadābhiś ca parighaiḥ kampanaiḥ tathā ||
三阇耶说道：那里地面遍布倒下的旗幡、弓、投枪、长矛、钉头槌、铁棍与沉重的战锤——散落之密，仿佛战场被破碎的兵器铺成一层地毯。此景凸显战争的道德重负：即便是象征勇武的骄傲徽记与兵刃，当以暴力争夺达摩之时，也终成无生命的残骸。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the transience of martial glory: banners and weapons—symbols of honor and power—end up scattered on the ground. It implicitly invites reflection on the ethical burden of war and the fragility of human pride when dharma is pursued through violent means.
Sañjaya is reporting to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the दृश्य of the battlefield, describing how the area is littered with fallen standards and various weapons (bows, javelins, lances, maces, iron clubs, and heavy striking weapons), conveying the intensity and devastation of the fighting.