Mahabharata 4.13.18 — Virata Parva, Adhyaya 13, Shloka 18
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 13 — Kīcaka’s Proposition and Draupadī’s Dharmic Refusal
तेषामेको महानासीत् सर्वमल्लानथादह्वयत् । आवल्गमानं तं रड्भे नोपतिष्ठति कश्नन
teṣām eko mahān āsīt sarva-mallān athāhvayat | āvalgamānaṃ taṃ raṅge nopatiṣṭhati kaścana ||
Parmi eux se trouvait un lutteur d’une force prodigieuse, qui défiait tous les autres au combat. Lorsqu’il entra dans l’arène et se mit à lutter, déployant sa puissance, nul ne put s’approcher de lui ni lui tenir tête.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how sheer physical power and intimidation can silence opposition in public contests; ethically, it sets the stage for discerning true courage and rightful strength—whether power is used merely to dominate or to uphold fair challenge and honor.
A particularly formidable wrestler among the group enters the arena and openly challenges all other wrestlers. His aggressive, energetic movements and reputation are so daunting that no one dares to approach or accept the bout.
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