Shloka 10
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 42 — Duryodhana’s counsel to Bhīṣma on ajñātavāsa risk and raid strategy
कस्येमे शुकपत्राभै: पूर्वरर्थ: सुवासस: । उत्तरैरायसै: पीतैहेमपुड्खै: शिलाशितै:,जिनके पूर्वार्थभाग तोतेकी पाँखके समान रंगवाले और उत्तरार्धभाग सुवर्णमय पंखसे युक्त एवं पीले हैं, जो पत्थरपर घिसकर तेज किये हुए और लोहेके बने हैं, ऐसे ये सुन्दर पाँखवाले बाण किसके हैं?
kasyeme śukapatrābhaiḥ pūrvārthāḥ suvāsasaḥ | uttarair āyasaiḥ pītaiḥ hemapuṅkhaiḥ śilāśitaiḥ ||
Uttara berkata: “Milik siapakah anak panah yang indah ini—bagian depannya berkilau seperti bulu burung nuri, bagian belakangnya kuning; terbuat dari besi, berbulukan emas, dan ditajamkan dengan diasah pada batu?”
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment and attentiveness: even amid fear and uncertainty, one should observe carefully and inquire properly. It also reflects the kṣatriya milieu where the quality and ownership of weapons matter, implying responsibility and propriety in the use of martial power.
In the Virāṭa episode, Prince Uttara notices exceptionally crafted arrows and asks whose they are. The detailed description underscores their superior make, foreshadowing the presence and capability of a great warrior (contextually, Arjuna in disguise) and setting the stage for the coming confrontation.