Shloka 396
वृत्ति-सत्सङ्ग-दान-धर्म
Livelihood, Virtuous Association, and Ethics of Giving
हस्वो5तिमात्र रक्ताक्षो हरिश्मश्रुर्विभीषण: । पुरुषप्रवर! उस समय उस आगसे एक नाटा-सा पुरुष उत्पन्न हुआ
bhīṣma uvāca | hrasvo 'timātra-raktākṣo hariśmaśrur vibhīṣaṇaḥ |
Bhishma said: “O foremost of men, at that time, from that fire there arose a short-statured man, whose eyes were exceedingly red. His beard and moustache were tawny-brown, and his appearance was terrifying to behold.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily functions as narrative description, using striking physical traits (red eyes, tawny beard, terrifying form) to signal an ominous or awe-inspiring manifestation. In the ethical frame of the Mahabharata, such depictions often underscore that actions and rites can yield formidable consequences, prompting vigilance and discernment in dharmic conduct.
Bhishma describes an event in which, from a fire, a short and frightening man appears. The figure is characterized by intensely red eyes and tawny facial hair, emphasizing the uncanny and fearsome nature of the manifestation.