Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.10.13-15
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesBoth Armies Display Dazzling Splendor
“O King, O descendant of Mahārāja Pāṇḍu, the soldiers of both the demigods and demons were decorated by canopies, colorful flags, and umbrellas with handles made of valuable jewels and pearls. They were further decorated by fans made of peacock feathers and by other fans also. The soldiers, their upper and lower garments waving in the breeze, naturally looked very beautiful, and in the light of the glittering sunshine their shields, ornaments and sharp, clean weapons appeared dazzling. Thus the ranks of soldiers seemed like two oceans with bands of aquatics.”
What the purport teaches
- The soldiers of both armies were decorated with colorful flags, canopies, and umbrellas with handles of valuable jewels and pearls.
- Their garments waved in the breeze, while their shields, ornaments, and sharp, clean weapons glittered in the sunshine.
- The ranks of demigods and demons looked like two oceans filled with bands of aquatic creatures.
Try this today
Reread the description and name three details that make the two armies appear dazzling.
Ask yourself
What do you notice about the beauty described on both sides of the battle?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.