Shloka 283
Jarāsandha–Bhīma Niyuddha-prastāvaḥ
Commencement of the Regulated Duel
अशोभन्त महाराज बाहवो युद्धशालिनाम् | जैसे हिमालयकी गुफाओंमें रहनेवाले सिंह गौओंका स्थान ढूँढ़ते हुए आगे बढ़ते हों, उसी प्रकार वे तीनों वीर राजभवनकी तलाश करते हुए वहाँ पहुँचे थे। महाराज! युद्धमें विशेष शोभा पानेवाले उन तीनों वीरोंकी भुजाएँ साखूके लट्ठे-जैसी सुशोभित हो रही थीं। उनपर चन्दन और अगुरुका लेप किया गया था
aśobhanta mahārāja bāhavo yuddhaśālinām |
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Oh rey, los brazos de aquellos guerreros—hombres que resplandecían en la batalla—se veían espléndidos. Como leones que habitan en las cuevas del Himālaya y avanzan en busca del redil del ganado, así aquellos tres héroes marcharon, buscando la morada real, y allí llegaron. Sus poderosos brazos, célebres por su destreza en la guerra, parecían gruesos troncos de madera sāla, ungidos con pasta de sándalo y aguru: señales de porte regio y de confianza marcial mientras proseguían hacia su objetivo.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward signs—strength, disciplined bearing, and even royal anointments—can signal resolve and purpose. Ethically, it underscores the Mahābhārata’s recurring theme that power and intent move together: formidable capability, when directed toward a goal, becomes both impressive and potentially consequential for the polity.
Vaiśampāyana describes three unnamed heroes advancing toward the royal residence. Their approach is compared to Himālaya cave-lions searching for cattle, emphasizing predatory focus and fearless momentum. Their arms are depicted as thick timber and anointed with sandal and aguru, marking them as elite, battle-ready figures entering a royal space.