Post–Baka-vadha Residence and the Introduction of Yājñasenī’s Svayaṃvara (आदि पर्व, अध्याय १५३)
पश्य बाहू सुवृत्तौ मे हस्तिहस्तनिभाविमौ । ऊरू परिघसंकाशौ संहतं चाप्युरो महत्,हाथीकी सूँड़-जैसी मोटी और सुन्दर गोलाकार मेरी इन दोनों भुजाओंकी ओर देखो। मेरी ये जाँघें परिघके समान हैं और मेरा विशाल वक्ष:स्थल भी सुदृढ़ एवं सुगठित है
paśya bāhū suvṛttau me hastihastanibhāvimau | ūrū parighasaṅkāśau saṃhataṃ cāpy uro mahat |
Bhīma sprach: „Sieh meine beiden Arme—wohlgerundet und kraftvoll wie der Rüssel eines Elefanten. Meine Schenkel sind wie Eisenstangen, und meine breite Brust ist fest gefügt und gewaltig.“
भीम उवाच
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of courage and self-confidence, but it also implicitly warns that reliance on sheer power can slide into arrogance; true dharma balances strength with discipline and right purpose.
Bhīma is speaking in a confrontational or assertive moment, pointing to his own bodily power—arms, thighs, and chest—as proof of his capability and as a challenge meant to deter or overawe others.