Shloka 16
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 13 — Kīcaka’s Proposition and Draupadī’s Dharmic Refusal
महाकाया महावीर्या: कालखज्जा इवासुरा: । वीर्योन्मत्ता बलोदग्रा राज्ञा समभिपूजिता:,वहाँ आये हुए विशालकाय और महान् बलशाली मल्ल कालखंज नामक असुरोंके समान जान पड़ते थे। वे सब अपनी शक्ति और पराक्रमके मदसे उन्मत्त थे एवं बलमें बहुत बड़े-चढ़े थे। राजा विराटने उन सबका खूब स्वागत- सत्कार किया
mahākāyā mahāvīryāḥ kālakhajjā ivāsurāḥ | vīryonmattā balodagrā rājñā samabhipūjitāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Those wrestlers who had arrived appeared like the demon Kālakhajja—huge in body and formidable in might. Intoxicated with their own prowess and swollen with strength, they were nevertheless received and duly honored by King Virāṭa, who extended to them full hospitality and respect.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts brute strength and pride with the kingly duty of honoring guests and dependents. Even when people are arrogant or intimidating, a ruler is expected to uphold decorum and hospitality, maintaining social order through respectful reception.
In Virāṭa’s court, powerful wrestlers arrive and are described as gigantic and demon-like, intoxicated with their own strength. King Virāṭa receives them warmly and honors them, indicating their valued status at court and setting the scene for ensuing events involving feats of strength.