Shloka 2
धन-राजधर्म संवादः
Discourse on Wealth and Royal Duty
दर्शयन्नैन्द्रिरात्मानमुग्रमुग्रपराक्रम: । स्मयमानो महातेजा: सृक्किणी परिसंलिहन्
darśayann aindrir ātmānam ugram ugra-parākramaḥ | smayamāno mahātejāḥ sṛkkīṇī pari-saṃlihan ||
Vaiśampāyana said: O Janamejaya, when Yudhiṣṭhira spoke thus, Arjuna became intolerant, as though he had been indirectly reproached. The mighty son of Indra—terrible in prowess and radiant with great energy—smiled, displayed his fierce self-assurance, and, licking the corners of his mouth, began to speak words of proud confidence, as if performing upon a stage.
अथार्जुन उवाचेदमधिक्षिप्त इवाक्षमी ।
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how perceived reproach can provoke pride and impatience even in great heroes; it implicitly contrasts kṣatriya honor and assertiveness with the ethical need for restraint and measured speech.
After hearing Yudhiṣṭhira’s words, Arjuna reacts as if accused. The narrator depicts Arjuna’s confident, fierce demeanor—smiling and licking his lips—before he begins to speak proudly.