Shloka 27
Jarāsandha–Bhīma Niyuddha-prastāvaḥ
Commencement of the Regulated Duel
विरागवसना: सर्वे स्रग्विणो मृष्टकुण्डला: । निवेशनमथाजम्मुर्जरासंधस्य धीमत:,उन सबके वस्त्र अनेक रंगके थे। उन्होंने गलेमें हार और कानोंमें चमकीले कुण्डल पहन रखे थे। वे क्रमश: बुद्धिमान् राजा जरासंधके महलके समीप जा पहुँचे
virāga-vasanāḥ sarve sragviṇo mṛṣṭa-kuṇḍalāḥ | niveśanam athājagmur jarāsandhasya dhīmataḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: All of them were clad in garments of varied hues, wearing garlands and polished, gleaming earrings. Proceeding in due order, they arrived near the residence of the wise king Jarāsandha—outwardly adorned and composed, as they advanced into a politically charged encounter where appearance and protocol serve the aims of strategy and dharma.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the role of decorum and outward presentation in righteous statecraft: in royal and diplomatic contexts, disciplined appearance and adherence to protocol can serve dharmic aims by enabling orderly engagement rather than disorderly confrontation.
A group of men, adorned in colorful garments with garlands and shining earrings, proceed and reach the vicinity of King Jarāsandha’s residence, setting the scene for a formal approach to the powerful Magadhan king.