Shloka 76
सिंहदर्प महेष्वासं मत्तमातड्रविक्रमम् । मेघदुन्दुभिनिर्घोष॑ पूर्णचन्द्रनिभाननम्,उसमें सिंहके समान गर्व तथा मतवाले गजराजकी भाँति पराक्रम था। वह महाधनुर्धर वीर अपने गम्भीर स्वरसे मेघ और दुन्दुभिकी ध्वनिको लजा देता था। उसका मुख पूर्ण चन्द्रमाके समान मनमें आह्लाद उत्पन्न करता था
siṁhadarpa maheṣvāsaṁ mattamātaṅgavikramam | meghadundubhinirghoṣaṁ pūrṇacandranibhānanam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: He was a great archer, proud as a lion and mighty in valor like an intoxicated lordly elephant. His deep voice put to shame the rumbling of clouds and the beat of kettledrums, and his face—like the full moon—brought gladness to the mind. The passage highlights the idealized heroic portrait: strength disciplined through martial skill, and a presence that inspires confidence and delight in those who behold him.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models the classical heroic ideal: formidable strength and martial competence (archery, valor) paired with an inspiring, auspicious presence. It suggests that true prowess is not merely destructive power but a disciplined excellence that commands respect and uplifts allies.
Vaiśampāyana is describing a warrior-hero in elevated poetic similes—lion-like pride, elephant-like might, a voice louder than clouds and drums, and a moon-like face—serving as a character portrait that signals exceptional status and battlefield capability.