Shloka 343
अर्जुनस्य शीघ्रप्रयाणं भीम-शकुनियुद्धं च
Arjuna’s Rapid Advance and the Bhīma–Śakuni Encounter
ध्वजं कुरुपतेश्छिन्नं ददृशुः सर्वपार्थिवा: । समस्त राजाओंने देखा कि कुरुराज दुर्योधनका सोनेके अंगदोंसे विभूषित नाग- चिह्नयुक्त विचित्र, मणिमय एवं सुन्दर ध्वज कटकर धराशायी हो गया है
dhvajaṁ kurupateś chinnaṁ dadṛśuḥ sarvapārthivāḥ |
三阇耶说道：诸王都看见，俱卢之主的旗帜已被斩断，倒落尘土。在战争的道德氛围中，王旗的倾覆不止是战术上的损失：它是对威望与信心的重击，也预示着那依凭权势与炫耀而滋长的不义傲慢，正在走向衰微。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how external symbols of power—like a king’s banner—can collapse suddenly; in the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, such a fall often mirrors the weakening of adharma-supported pride and the instability of power divorced from righteousness.
During the battle, the royal standard of the Kuru leader is seen cut down. The gathered kings witness it, marking a visible setback and a psychological shock on the battlefield.