Shloka 2
पाण्डवपरिचयः—विराटसभायां प्रकाशनम्
Identification of the Pāṇḍavas in Virāṭa’s Court
सो<मृष्यमाणो वचसाभिमृष्टो महारथेनातिरथस्तरस्वी । पर्याववर्ताथ रथेन वीरो भोगी यथा पादतलाभिमृष्ट:
so ’mṛṣyamāṇo vacasābhimṛṣṭo mahārathenātirathas tarasvī | paryāvavartātha rathena vīro bhogī yathā pādatalābhimṛṣṭaḥ ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Herido por las palabras que lo habían ultrajado, el veloz y poderoso atiratha no pudo soportar la afrenta. El héroe hizo girar su carro y volvió—como una serpiente pisoteada que se vuelve para morder en venganza—y así Duryodhana regresó con su carro.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical danger of harsh or humiliating speech: it wounds pride, provokes anger, and can cause a person to return with greater hostility—like a trampled serpent turning to bite. Restraint in words and patience in receiving criticism are implied safeguards against escalation.
A powerful warrior, insulted by another’s words, cannot bear the affront and turns his chariot back to retaliate. The simile of a serpent crushed underfoot conveys the sudden reversal and the intent to strike back.