Meaning
Sanjaya spoke
Arjuna, son of Pāndu, bearing a flag adorned with Hanumān emblem, drew his bow, readying for combat. As he prepared, his gaze scrutinized the ranks of Dhritarāshtra's sons lined against him. (1:20)
Sanskrit
सञ्जय उवाच
अथ व्यवस्थितान्दृष्ट्वा धार्तराष्ट्रान्कपिध्वजः ।
प्रवृत्ते शस्त्रसम्पाते धनुरुद्यम्य पाण्डवः॥
Word-by-word
अथ वि-अवस्थितान् दृष्ट्वा धार्तराष्ट्रान् कपि-ध्वजः।
प्रवृत्ते शस्त्र-सम्पाते धनुः उद्यम्य पाण्डवः
Commentary
Hanumān is the popular monkey god from the time of Sri Rāma, another incarnation of God Personified Sri Vishnu. Known for his unparalleled devotion to Bhagawān Rāma, who later reincarnated as Sri Krishna, Hanumān is one of the eight "immortals" destined to live until the end of the current time-cycle. His presence on the flag atop Prince Arjuna's chariot symbolizes Arjuna’s respect for him and Hanumān’s protective support for Arjuna, the devout friend of Sri Krishna. Arjuna is also known as "Kapidhvaja," signifying his reverence by always displaying the Hanumān image on his flag.