Shloka 3
Rājagṛhe Magadheśvarasya yuddhāhvānam — Arjunena saṃyamaḥ
The Rājagṛha Challenge and Arjuna’s Restraint
शरभेणार्चितस्तत्र शिशुपालसुतेन सः । युद्धपूर्व तदा तेन पूजया च महाबल:,वहाँ शिशुपालके पुत्र शरभने पहले तो युद्ध किया और फिर स्वागत-सत्कारके द्वारा उस महाबली अश्वका पूजन किया
śarabheṇārcitas tatra śiśupālasutena saḥ | yuddhapūrvaṃ tadā tena pūjayā ca mahābalaḥ ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Allí, Śarabha, hijo de Śiśupāla, honró al poderoso. Primero trabó batalla con él, y después le ofreció la debida acogida y veneración, mostrando que aun en el conflicto no se abandonaban el respeto ni la recta conducta.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic ideal of restraint and honor: even when conflict occurs, one should uphold proper respect and ethical conduct afterward, separating necessary warfare from personal hatred.
Śarabha, identified as Śiśupāla’s son, first confronts the mighty figure in battle and then, once the fighting is past, formally honors him with reception and worship, indicating a shift from combat to courteous observance.