Jarāsandha–Bhīma Niyuddha-prastāvaḥ
Commencement of the Regulated Duel
तान् दृष्टवा द्विरदप्रख्याज्शालस्कन्धानिवोदगतान् । व्यूढोरस्कान् मागधानां विस्मय: समपद्यत,शालवृक्षके तनेके समान ऊँचे डील और चौड़ी छातीवाले गजराजसदृश उन बलवान वीरोंको देखकर मगधनिवासियोंको बड़ा आश्वर्य हुआ
tān dṛṣṭvā dviradaprakhyān śāla-skandhān ivodgatān | vyūḍhoraskān māgadhānāṁ vismayaḥ samapadyata ||
فلما رأى أهلُ مَغَدَها أولئك الأبطال—قاماتٍ كقامات الفيلة، شامخين كجذوع أشجار الشالا العالية، عراض الصدور راسخي البنية—أخذتهم الدهشة العظيمة.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights how disciplined physical presence and evident strength generate public awe in political spaces; such perception influences status and authority, reminding readers that power is not only exercised but also displayed and socially interpreted.
In the royal setting being described, formidable warriors appear; their elephant-like build and broad chests make them seem like towering śāla trunks, and the onlookers from Magadha react with amazement.