Shloka 24
Omens in the Kuru Host and Droṇa’s Recognition of Arjuna (क्लीबवेषधारी पार्थ-परिज्ञानम्)
ऊर्ध्वमुत्क्षिप्प कवचं शरीरे प्रत्यमुजजत । कुमार्यस्तत्र तं दृष्टवा प्राहसन् पृुथुलोचना:,वे कवचको ऊपर उठाकर शरीरमें डालने लगे। यह देखकर वहाँ खड़ी हुई बड़े-बड़े नेत्रोंवाली राजकुमारियाँ हँसने लगीं
ūrdhvam utkṣipya kavacaṁ śarīre pratyamuñjata | kumāryas tatra taṁ dṛṣṭvā prāhasan pṛthulocanāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Lifting the cuirass upward, he began fastening it onto his body. Seeing him do this, the wide-eyed princesses standing there burst into laughter—an episode that underscores the tension between outward appearance and inner capability, and how the virtuous may endure mockery while remaining focused on their duty.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadiness in one’s duty and self-control: a capable person may be mocked for appearances, yet should remain composed and intent on the task, letting action—not public laughter—establish worth.
A man begins to put on his armor by lifting it and fastening it onto his body. The princesses present see this and laugh, suggesting a moment of social ridicule amid preparations connected with martial readiness.