Mahabharata — Drona Parva, Shloka 9

Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 107: Karṇa–Bhīma Saṃmarda

Arrow-storm Engagement

Devanagari script

स वानरवरो राजन्‌ पताकाभिरलंकृत:

Transliteration

sa vānaravaro rājan patākābhir alaṅkṛtaḥ

Translation

三阇耶说道：大王啊，那最卓绝的猿者，饰以旌幡，便在战乱喧嚣中格外醒目，成为力量与决心的显著徽记——外在的标志，用以振奋同盟、震慑敌军。

Word by Word

• सः: he
• सः: Karta
• Type: Pronoun
• Root: तद्
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Singular

• वानरवरः: the best of monkeys
• वानरवरः: Karta
• Type: Noun
• Root: वानरवर
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Singular

• राजन्: O king
• राजन्: Adhikarana
• Type: Noun
• Root: राजन्
• Form: Masculine, Vocative, Singular

• पताकाभिः: with banners/flags
• पताकाभिः: Karana
• Type: Noun
• Root: पताका
• Form: Feminine, Instrumental, Plural

• अलंकृतः: adorned, decorated
• अलंकृतः: Karta
• Type: Adjective
• Root: अलंकृत
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Singular

Speaker

संजय उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Sañjaya
• rājan (Dhṛtarāṣṭra)
• vānaravara (foremost monkey)
• patākā (banners/flags)

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

In the Mahābhārata’s war narrative, visible symbols—such as banners and emblems—serve ethical and psychological functions: they consolidate collective courage, proclaim identity and purpose, and communicate resolve. The verse highlights how outward insignia can embody inner steadfastness in a righteous struggle.

What is happening in the narrative?

Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that a foremost monkey figure is seen adorned with banners. The description functions as a vivid battlefield detail, emphasizing prominence and signaling strength and morale in the ongoing conflict.