Shloka 19
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 186 — Drupada’s Summons and the Pāñcāla Reception
विचेष्टमाना धरणीतलस्था यथाबलं शैक्ष्यगुणक्रमाश्न । गतौजस: स्रस्तकिरीटहारा विनि:श्वसन्त: शमयाम्बभूवु:,परंतु वे उस सुदृढ़ धनुषपर हाथसे कौन कहे, मनसे भी प्रत्यंचा न चढ़ा सके। अपने बल, शिक्षा और गुणके अनुसार उसपर जोर लगाते समय वे सभी नरेन्द्र उस सुदृढ़ एवं चमचमाते हुए धनुषके झटकेसे दूर फेंक दिये जाते और लड़खड़ाकर धरतीपर जा गिरते थे। फिर तो उनका उत्साह समाप्त हो जाता, किरीट और हार खिसककर गिर जाते और वे लंबी साँसें खींचते हुए शान्त होकर बैठ जाते थे
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
vicēṣṭamānā dharaṇītalasthā yathābalaṃ śaikṣyaguṇakramāś ca |
gatāujasaḥ srastakirīṭahārā viniḥśvasantaḥ śamayām babhūvuḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Struggling while standing on the ground, each king tried according to his own strength, training, and accomplishments. Yet their vigor ebbed away; their crowns and garlands slipped loose, and, breathing long sighs, they fell into silence and sat down—humbled by the bow that would not yield to mere pride or effort.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Worldly status and ornamentation do not guarantee capability; true fitness is proven by action. The verse underscores humility: when effort meets a limit, pride collapses and one must accept one’s measure without resentment.
A group of kings attempt a demanding feat involving a powerful bow. Despite trying with their respective strength and training, they fail; their energy drains, their crowns and garlands slip, and they sit down in exhausted silence.