Shloka 32
भीमनादं सुताम्रोष्ठं तीक्ष्णदंष्टं महाबलम् । महेष्वासं महावीर्य महासत्त्वं महाभुजम्,उसकी आवाज बड़ी भयानक थी। सुन्दर लाल-लाल ओठ, तीखी दाढ़ें, महान् बल, बहुत बड़ा धनुष, महान् पराक्रम, अत्यन्त धैर्य और साहस, बड़ी-बड़ी भुजाएँ, महान् वेग और विशाल शरीर--ये उसकी विशेषताएँ थीं। वह महामायावी राक्षस अपने शत्रुओंका दमन करनेवाला था। उसकी नाक बहुत बड़ी, छाती चौड़ी तथा पैरोंकी दोनों पिंडलियाँ टेढ़ी और ऊँची थीं
bhīmanādaṃ sutāmrōṣṭhaṃ tīkṣṇadaṃṣṭraṃ mahābalam | maheṣvāsaṃ mahāvīryaṃ mahāsattvaṃ mahābhujam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “He had a terrifying roar; his lips were beautifully copper-red; his fangs were sharp. He was of immense strength—an archer bearing a great bow—endowed with great valor, steadfast courage, and mighty arms.” (The passage continues in the narrative to describe this master of illusion among the rākṣasas as a formidable oppressor of enemies, marked by a huge nose, a broad chest, and oddly high, crooked shanks.)
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward power—terrifying voice, strength, weapon-skill, and imposing physique—can be morally ambiguous. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, such might becomes meaningful only when governed by dharma; otherwise it serves oppression and fear.
Vaiśampāyana is describing a formidable being (contextually, a rākṣasa) through a catalogue of striking physical and martial traits—roar, sharp fangs, great strength, and prowess with a great bow—setting the tone for a threatening encounter and emphasizing the danger posed to opponents.