Shloka 21
धनुर्ज्या चन्द्रताराड़का पताकाकिड्किणीयुता । पश्य कर्णार्जुनस्यैषा सौदामन्यम्बरे यथा
dhanurjyā candratārāṅkitā patākā kiṅkiṇīyutā | paśya karṇārjunasya eṣā saudāmanī ambare yathā ||
“迦尔纳啊，看——这弓弦与阿周那战车之旗，绘有月与星，缀以细小铃铛；它在天际闪耀，如电光乍现。”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya conduct in war: courage expressed openly, confidence grounded in preparedness, and the use of visible symbols (banner, bowstring) to assert resolve without deceit—honor and psychological steadiness amid conflict.
On the battlefield, Arjuna addresses Karna and draws attention to his own martial insignia—his bowstring and the chariot-banner marked with moon and stars, ringing with bells—describing it as flashing like lightning in the sky, a vivid challenge and declaration of readiness for combat.