Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 87
Varuṇābhiṣeka–Agni-anveṣaṇa–Kaubera-tīrtha
Varuṇa’s Consecration; Search for Agni; Kaubera Sacred Site
विनिष्पतद्धिः शरभै: सिंहैश्न सहसा द्रुतैः । शोच्यामपि दशां प्राप्तो रराजेव स पर्वत:
viniṣpataddhiḥ śarabhaiḥ siṃhaiś ca sahasā drutaiḥ | śocyām api daśāṃ prāpto rarāj eva sa parvataḥ ||
Vaishampayana said: Though struck and torn by swift, suddenly attacking śarabhas and lions, that mountain—despite having fallen into a pitiable condition—still shone with a grim, undiminished splendor. The image underscores how even when battered by violent forces, a great presence may retain its radiance, evoking the tragic dignity of warriors in the devastation of war.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a vivid simile to convey that greatness can retain its inherent splendor even when reduced to a wretched state by violent assaults—an ethical reflection on endurance and the tragic dignity seen amid the ruin of war.
Vaiśampāyana describes a scene through comparison: a mountain, though attacked by swift śarabhas and lions and brought to a pitiable condition, still appears radiant—an image likely meant to mirror a formidable figure or battlefield spectacle that remains impressive despite grievous harm.
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