Shloka 28
Arjuna’s Concentrated Archery and the Rout of the Kaurava Mahārathas
Gāṇḍīva-Nirghoṣa Episode
तस्य निर्मुच्यमानस्य कवचात् काय आबभौ | समये मुच्यमानस्य सर्पस्येव तनुर्यथा,कवचसे मुक्त होनेपर कृपाचार्यका शरीर इस प्रकार सुशोभित हुआ, मानो समयपर केंचुल छूटनेके बाद सर्पका शरीर सुशोभित हो रहा हो
tasya nirmucyamānasya kavacāt kāya ābabhau | samaye mucyamānasya sarpasyeva tanur yathā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: As his armour was being removed, Kṛpācārya’s body shone forth—just as a serpent’s body appears radiant when, at the proper season, it sheds its slough. The image underscores a moment of unburdening: when protective coverings are set aside at the right time, one’s natural strength and dignity become manifest without aggression, suggesting readiness guided by propriety rather than vanity.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses the seasonal shedding of a serpent’s skin to suggest that when burdens or coverings are removed at the proper time, one’s inherent vigor and dignity become visible. It hints at disciplined timing and propriety (samaya) rather than mere display.
In Vaiśampāyana’s narration, Kṛpācārya has his armour taken off; as it is removed, his body appears splendid, compared to a serpent looking radiant after shedding its slough in season.