Shloka 56
Kubera’s Arrival and the Disclosure of Agastya’s Curse
Vaiśaṃpāyana–Janamejaya Narrative
इत्येवमुक्त्वा तौ वीरौ स्पर्थमानौ परस्परम् | बाहुभ्यां समसज्जेतामुभौ रक्षोवृकोदरी,ऐसा कहकर वे दोनों वीर राक्षत और भीम एक-दूसरेसे स्पर्धा रखते हुए बाँहोंसे बाँहें मिलाकर गुथ गये
ity evam uktvā tau vīrau spardhamānau parasparam | bāhubhyāṃ samasajjetām ubhau rakṣo-vṛkodarī ||
বৈশম্পায়নে ক’লে— এনেদৰে কৈ সেই দুয়ো বীৰ—ৰাক্ষস আৰু বৃকোদৰ ভীম—পৰস্পৰৰ প্ৰতি স্পৰ্ধাৰে জ্বলি উঠি বাহুত বাহু জড়াই মল্লযুদ্ধত লিপ্ত হ’ল।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical pivot from speech to action: when rivalry escalates, the contest becomes a direct test of self-control, courage, and strength. It also reflects the kṣatriya ideal of meeting a challenge face-to-face rather than through deceit.
After exchanging words, Bhīma (Vṛkodara) and the rākṣasa move into close combat. They seize each other and grapple, locking arms, signaling the beginning of a decisive physical struggle.