Shloka 17
Droṇotpattiḥ and Dhanurveda-Prāpti
Origin of Droṇa and Acquisition of Martial Science
आसीत् काक्षीवती चास्य भार्या परमसम्मता | भद्रा नाम मनुष्येन्द्र रूपेणासदृशी भुवि,“नरेन्द्र! राजा कक्षीवान्की पुत्री भद्रा उनकी अत्यन्त प्यारी पत्नी थी। उन दिनों इस पृथ्वीपर उसके रूपकी समानता करनेवाली दूसरी कोई स्त्री न थी
āsīt kākṣīvatī cāsya bhāryā paramasammatā | bhadrā nāma manuṣyendra rūpeṇāsadṛśī bhuvi |
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Er hatte eine Gemahlin namens Bhadrā, die Tochter des Königs Kakṣīvān, überaus geliebt und in jeder Hinsicht hochgeachtet. O Bester der Menschen, auf Erden gab es keine andere Frau, die ihr an Schönheit gleichkam.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights social-ethical ideals of royal marriage: noble lineage, public esteem, and exemplary qualities. By stressing that Bhadrā is 'paramasammatā' and 'asadṛśī', the narrative frames her as an idealized figure whose worth is recognized both privately (as beloved) and publicly (as esteemed).
Vaiśampāyana introduces a key woman in the lineage: Bhadrā, identified as the daughter of King Kakṣīvān and as the wife of the man being discussed. The verse functions as character-setting, emphasizing her exceptional beauty and high regard.