Shloka 8
स्थूलस्फिग्गूढनाभिश्न शिथिलोपचयो महान् । तथैव हस्ताभरणी महामायो<5ड्रदी तथा,उसके नितम्बभाग स्थूल थे। उसकी नाभि छोटी होनेके कारण छिपी हुई थी। उसके शरीरकी बढ़ती रुक गयी थी। वह लंबे कदका था। उसने हाथोंमें आभूषण पहन रखे थे। भुजाओंमें बाजूबन्द धारण कर रखे थे। वह बड़ी-बड़ी मायाओंका जानकार था
sañjaya uvāca |
sthūla-sphig-gūḍha-nābhiś ca śithilopacayo mahān |
tathaiva hastābharaṇī mahāmāyo 'dr̥ḍī tathā ||
Sañjaya said: “He had broad hips, and his navel was hidden; his bodily growth had slackened, yet he was of great stature. His hands were adorned with ornaments, and he wore armlets upon his arms. He was a master of great deceptions and illusions.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward signs—stature, ornaments, and impressive appearance—can accompany inner skill in deception; it cautions that in war and politics, discernment is needed because power may operate through māyā (strategic illusion) rather than straightforward virtue.
Sañjaya is describing a particular figure’s physical features and martial presentation (ornaments and armlets) while emphasizing his capacity for great māyā—suggesting a formidable, cunning presence within the events of the Droṇa Parva.