Shloka 17
तेषामाकारभावज्ञ: कुन्तीपुत्रो वृकोदर:,हस्तं हस्तेन निष्पिष्य उलूकं॑ वाक्यमब्रवीत् | उनकी आकृति और भावको जानकर दुन्तीपुत्र वृकोदर बड़े वेगसे उठे और क्रोधसे जलते हुएके समान सहसा आँखें फाड़-फाड़कर देखते, दाँत कट-कटाते और हाथ-से-हाथ रगड़ते हुए उलूकसे इस प्रकार बोले--
teṣām ākāra-bhāva-jñaḥ kuntīputro vṛkodaraḥ | hastaṃ hastena niṣpiṣya ulūkaṃ vākyam abravīt ||
Sañjaya said: Understanding their outward bearing and inner intent, Vṛkodara (Bhīma), the son of Kuntī, clenched one hand against the other and addressed Ulūka.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment (reading appearance and intention) and the moral psychology of anger: Bhīma’s wrath is not mere impulse but a response shaped by perceived intent and the demands of impending dharma-yuddha, where self-control and clarity precede speech and action.
Sañjaya describes Bhīma’s reaction upon understanding the opposing side’s demeanor and motives. Bhīma clenches his hands in anger and begins to speak directly to Ulūka, setting up a confrontational exchange in the lead-up to war.