Shloka 283
Jarāsandha–Bhīma Niyuddha-prastāvaḥ
Commencement of the Regulated Duel
अशोभन्त महाराज बाहवो युद्धशालिनाम् | जैसे हिमालयकी गुफाओंमें रहनेवाले सिंह गौओंका स्थान ढूँढ़ते हुए आगे बढ़ते हों, उसी प्रकार वे तीनों वीर राजभवनकी तलाश करते हुए वहाँ पहुँचे थे। महाराज! युद्धमें विशेष शोभा पानेवाले उन तीनों वीरोंकी भुजाएँ साखूके लट्ठे-जैसी सुशोभित हो रही थीं। उनपर चन्दन और अगुरुका लेप किया गया था
aśobhanta mahārāja bāhavo yuddhaśālinām |
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは語った。大王よ、戦場に輝くその勇士たちの腕は、まことに壮麗であった。ヒマーラヤの洞窟に棲む獅子が、牛の群れの在り処を求めて前へ進むように、三人の英雄もまた王宮を探し求めて進み、ついにそこへ到った。武勇で名高いその逞しい腕は、太い娑羅（サーラ）材の丸太のごとく見え、白檀とアグル（沈香）の香膏を塗られていた――王者の威容と武人の自信を示しつつ、目的へと迫っていったのである。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward signs—strength, disciplined bearing, and even royal anointments—can signal resolve and purpose. Ethically, it underscores the Mahābhārata’s recurring theme that power and intent move together: formidable capability, when directed toward a goal, becomes both impressive and potentially consequential for the polity.
Vaiśampāyana describes three unnamed heroes advancing toward the royal residence. Their approach is compared to Himālaya cave-lions searching for cattle, emphasizing predatory focus and fearless momentum. Their arms are depicted as thick timber and anointed with sandal and aguru, marking them as elite, battle-ready figures entering a royal space.