Shloka 29
Jarāsandha–Bhīma Niyuddha-prastāvaḥ
Commencement of the Regulated Duel
तान् दृष्टवा द्विरदप्रख्याज्शालस्कन्धानिवोदगतान् । व्यूढोरस्कान् मागधानां विस्मय: समपद्यत,शालवृक्षके तनेके समान ऊँचे डील और चौड़ी छातीवाले गजराजसदृश उन बलवान वीरोंको देखकर मगधनिवासियोंको बड़ा आश्वर्य हुआ
tān dṛṣṭvā dviradaprakhyān śāla-skandhān ivodgatān | vyūḍhoraskān māgadhānāṁ vismayaḥ samapadyata ||
Seeing those heroes—elephant-like in stature, rising like the lofty trunks of śāla trees, with broad, well-set chests—the people of Magadha were struck with astonishment.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how disciplined physical presence and evident strength generate public awe in political spaces; such perception influences status and authority, reminding readers that power is not only exercised but also displayed and socially interpreted.
In the royal setting being described, formidable warriors appear; their elephant-like build and broad chests make them seem like towering śāla trunks, and the onlookers from Magadha react with amazement.