Shloka 4
Omens in the Kuru Host and Droṇa’s Recognition of Arjuna (क्लीबवेषधारी पार्थ-परिज्ञानम्)
सा रत्नभूता मनस: प्रियार्चिता सुता विराटस्य यथेन्द्रलक्ष्मी: । सुदर्शनीया प्रमुखे यशस्विनी प्रीत्याब्रवीदर्जुनमायतेक्षणा,विराटकुमारी उत्तरा स्त्रियोंमें रत्नस्वरूपा और मनको प्रिय लगनेवाली थी। वह उस राजभवनमें इन्द्रकी साम्राज्यलक्ष्मीके समान सम्मानित थी। उसके नेत्र बड़े-बड़े थे। वह यशस्विनी बाला सामनेसे देखने ही योग्य थी। वह अर्जुनसे प्रेमपूर्वक बोली--
sā ratnabhūtā manasaḥ priyārcitā sutā virāṭasya yathendralakṣmīḥ | sudarśanīyā pramukhe yaśasvinī prītyābravīd arjunam āyatekṣaṇā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Uttarā, the daughter of King Virāṭa, was like a jewel among women—dear to the heart and honored with affection. In that royal household she was revered like Indra’s own sovereign fortune (Indralakṣmī). With large, expressive eyes and a radiant reputation, she was a maiden worthy to behold face to face. With warmth and fondness, she spoke to Arjuna.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights social-ethical ideals of a royal household: a worthy person is honored with affection and respect, and inner esteem (being 'dear to the heart') is paired with public dignity. It also frames Uttarā’s approach as courteous and affectionate, setting a tone of propriety before the ensuing events.
The narrator introduces Uttarā, King Virāṭa’s daughter, praising her beauty, reputation, and honored status in the palace. She then addresses Arjuna (in his concealed identity during the Virāṭa episode), speaking to him with affection, which leads into the next action/dialogue in the chapter.