Shloka 18
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 13 — Kīcaka’s Proposition and Draupadī’s Dharmic Refusal
तेषामेको महानासीत् सर्वमल्लानथादह्वयत् । आवल्गमानं तं रड्भे नोपतिष्ठति कश्नन,उन सबमें एक बहुत बड़ा पहलवान था, जो दूसरे सब पहलवानोंको अपने साथ लड़नेके लिये ललकारता था। जब वह अखाड़ेमें उतरकर उलछने लगा, उस समय कोई भी उसके समीप खड़ा न हो सका
teṣām eko mahān āsīt sarva-mallān athāhvayat | āvalgamānaṃ taṃ raṅge nopatiṣṭhati kaścana ||
Di antara mereka ada seorang pegulat perkasa yang menantang semua pegulat lainnya. Ketika ia turun ke gelanggang dan mulai bergulat serta memamerkan kekuatannya, tak seorang pun sanggup berdiri dekat apalagi menghadapinya.
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.