Shloka 57
द्रोणपर्व (अध्याय ११२) — कर्णभीमयोर्युद्धम्, दुर्योधनस्य रक्षणादेशः
Droṇa-parva 112: Karṇa–Bhīma Engagement and Duryodhana’s Protective Order
महास्कन्धो महोरस्को महाबाहुर्महाहनु: । महाबलो महावीर्य: स महात्मा महारथ:,“उसके कंधे महान, छाती चौड़ी, भुजाएँ बड़ी-बड़ी और ठोढ़ी विशाल एवं हृष्ट-पुष्ट हैं। वह महाबली, महापराक्रमी, महामनस्वी और महारथी है
mahāskandho mahorasko mahābāhur mahāhanuḥ | mahābalo mahāvīryaḥ sa mahātmā mahārathaḥ ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “He is broad-shouldered and deep-chested, with mighty arms and a massive jaw. Strong in body and great in valor, he is a high-souled warrior—truly a foremost chariot-fighter.”
युधिष्ठिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the classical epic ideal of the kṣatriya: physical prowess joined with valor and a ‘mahātmā’ disposition. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, true martial excellence is not merely strength but also nobility of spirit and responsibility in battle.
In the Drona Parva’s battle context, Yudhiṣṭhira is describing a formidable warrior by listing distinguishing heroic traits—broad shoulders, powerful chest and arms, great strength and valor—culminating in the status-marker ‘mahāratha,’ indicating an elite chariot-fighter.