Shloka 31
भीष्म–जामदग्न्यसंवादः (Amba-prasaṅga and Kurukṣetra Dvandva Declaration) / Bhishma–Jamadagnya Dialogue
हेमन्तान्ते5डशोक इव रक्तस्तबकमण्डित: । बभौ रामस्तथा राजन् प्रफुल्ल इव किंशुक:
hemantānte ’śoka iva raktastabakamaṇḍitaḥ | babhau rāmas tathā rājan praphulla iva kiṃśukaḥ ||
Wahai Raja, sebagaimana pohon aśoka di penghujung musim dingin tampak elok berhias gugusan bunga merah, dan sebagaimana kiṃśuka (palāśa) bersinar saat mekar penuh, demikian pula Rāma (Paraśurāma) tampak gemilang.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches how epic poetry uses natural and seasonal imagery to communicate ethical and emotional weight: Paraśurāma’s radiance is not mere beauty but a sign of potency, authority, and the seriousness of the dharmic tensions surrounding warrior conduct.
The narrator describes Paraśurāma’s appearance. By comparing him to vividly blossoming trees, the text emphasizes that he arrives with striking brilliance and an imposing presence, setting the tone for a consequential exchange connected with martial honor and impending conflict.