Shloka 5
Ādi-parva, Adhyāya 187: Drupada’s Inquiry and the Dharma Debate on Draupadī’s Marriage
तत् कथं त्वकृतास्त्रेण प्राणतो दुर्बलीयसा । वटुमात्रेण शक्यं हि सज्यं कर्तु धनुद्धिजा:,'ब्राह्मणो! कर्ण और शल्य आदि बलवान, थरनुर्वेदपरायण तथा लोकविख्यात क्षत्रिय जिसे झुका (-तक) न सके, उसी धनुषपर अस्त्र-ज्ञानसे शून्य और शारीरिक बलकी दृष्टिसे अत्यन्त दुर्बल यह निरा ब्राह्मण-बालक कैसे प्रत्यंचा चढ़ा सकेगा
tat kathaṁ tv akṛtāstreṇa prāṇato durbalīyasā | vaṭumātreṇa śakyaṁ hi sajyaṁ kartuṁ dhanur dhijāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “How could this mere brahmin boy—untrained in weapons and far weaker in bodily strength—possibly string the bow? Even renowned kṣatriya warriors, famed for mastery of archery and great power, such as Karṇa and Śalya, were unable to bend it; how then could one devoid of weapon-lore accomplish it?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the contrast between outward qualifications (martial training, physical strength, social role) and the possibility of an extraordinary outcome. It cautions against judging capability solely by conventional markers, preparing the listener for a feat that may be enabled by destiny, hidden identity, or higher power rather than ordinary strength.
Vaiśampāyana expresses skepticism: a bow that even famed warriors like Karṇa and Śalya could not bend seems impossible for a mere brahmin boy—untrained in weapons and physically weak—to string. The statement sets up dramatic tension around an impending test involving the bow.