Shloka 37
कर्णेन व्यूहविधानम् — Karṇa’s Battle Formation and the Pāṇḍava Counter-Plan
Adhyāya 31
युधि वाप्यवमानो मे न कर्तव्य: कथज्चन । पश्य पीनौ मम भुजी वज़्संहननौ दृढौ
yudhi vāpyavamāno me na kartavyaḥ kathañcana | paśya pīnau mama bhujī vajrasaṃhananau dṛḍhau ||
Śalya said: “Whether in battle or otherwise, you must never show me contempt in any way. Look—my arms are thick and powerful, with a frame as hard as a thunderbolt and firm with strength.”
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya sensitivity to honor: contemptuous speech is treated as a serious ethical breach that can inflame conflict. It warns that disrespect—especially amid war—provokes retaliation and undermines disciplined conduct.
Śalya asserts his dignity and forbids any insult toward him, emphasizing his physical strength and formidable build. The statement functions as a challenge and a demand for respect within the tense wartime exchange.