Shloka 31
Jarītā-Śārṅgaka-saṃvādaḥ — The Dialogue of Jaritā and the Śārṅgaka Chicks
Fire-escape deliberation
बृहच्छालप्रतीकाश: प्रतप्तकनकप्रभ: । हरिपिड्रोज्ज्वलश्मश्रु: प्रमाणायामत: सम:
bṛhacchālapratīkāśaḥ prataptakanakaprabhaḥ | haripiḍrojjvalaśmaśruḥ pramāṇāyāmataḥ samaḥ ||
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは言った。彼は大いなるシャーラ樹のごとく高く、威容を備えていた。光彩はよく熱せられた黄金のようで、四肢には青と黄の色合いが見え、髭と口髭は黄褐の炎のごとく輝いた。体つきは身の丈にふさわしく均整が取れ、まことに畏るべき存在感を放っていた。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the epic convention that outer form can signal inner capacity: proportion, radiance, and steadiness are used to indicate strength, readiness for responsibility, and the awe such a person inspires. Ethically, it frames how leaders and warriors are recognized in the narrative—by signs of discipline, vitality, and commanding presence.
Vaiśampāyana is describing a formidable figure’s appearance—his height like a śāla tree, golden radiance, distinctive coloration, and bright tawny facial hair—emphasizing that he is powerfully built and proportionate, thereby preparing the listener to regard him as significant in the unfolding events.