Shloka 17
Adhyāya 14: Sudēṣṇā Sends Sairandhrī to Kīcaka’s House (सुदेष्णा–सैरन्ध्री–कीचक संवादः)
अतीवरूपिणी कि त्वमनजड्राड्रविहारिणी । अतीव भ्राजसे सुभ्रु प्रभेवेन्दोरनुत्तमा
atīvarūpiṇī ki tvaṁ anajaḍrāḍravihāriṇī | atīva bhrājase subhru prabhevendōranuttamā
Vaiśampāyana said: “Who are you—so exceedingly beautiful, moving about with effortless grace and unhesitating freedom? You shine intensely, O fair-browed one, with a radiance like the moon—unsurpassed.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment and respectful speech: extraordinary presence should be met with attentive inquiry and dignified praise, not rash judgment. It models a cultured response—recognizing excellence while seeking identity and context before acting.
In Virāṭa Parva, during the Pāṇḍavas’ incognito period, a speaker (as narrated by Vaiśampāyana) addresses a woman whose appearance and bearing seem exceptional. The line expresses astonishment and admiration, comparing her radiance to the moon and asking who she is.