Shloka 9
Adhyāya 112: Ṛṣyaśṛṅga’s Description of an Exemplary Brahmacārī
Ascetic Presence and Vow-Practice
सुसंयताश्चापि जटा विषक्ता दैधीकृता नातिसमा ललाटे । कर्णो च चित्रैरिव चक्रवाकै: समावृतौ तस्य सुरूपवद्धि:,उसकी जटा सटी हुई और अच्छी प्रकार बँधी हुई थी, जो ललाटप्रदेशमें दो भागोंमें विभक्त थी; किंतु बराबर नहीं थी। उसके कुण्डलमण्डित कान सुन्दर एवं विचित्र चक्रवाकोंसे घिरे हुए-से जान पड़ते थे
susaṁyatāś cāpi jaṭā viṣaktā daidhīkṛtā nātisamā lalāṭe | karṇau ca citrair iva cakravākaiḥ samāvṛtau tasya surūpavaddhiḥ ||
Ṛśyaśṛṅga describes the ascetic’s appearance: his matted locks were neatly restrained and firmly bound, parted upon the forehead yet not evenly. His ears, adorned with earrings, seemed as though encircled by wondrous cakravāka birds—so striking was his handsome form. The passage underscores the Mahābhārata’s recurring ethical motif that inner discipline (saṁyama) is reflected in outward composure and restraint.
ऋष्यशुड्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse links outward orderliness with inner discipline: the carefully restrained jaṭā and composed appearance suggest saṁyama (self-control), a valued dharmic quality in ascetic and ethical life.
Ṛśyaśṛṅga is describing an individual’s physical features in detail—especially the bound matted hair and ornamented ears—using a poetic simile (ears appearing encircled by cakravāka birds) to convey striking beauty and composed presence.