Shloka 18
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 13 — Kīcaka’s Proposition and Draupadī’s Dharmic Refusal
तेषामेको महानासीत् सर्वमल्लानथादह्वयत् । आवल्गमानं तं रड्भे नोपतिष्ठति कश्नन,उन सबमें एक बहुत बड़ा पहलवान था, जो दूसरे सब पहलवानोंको अपने साथ लड़नेके लिये ललकारता था। जब वह अखाड़ेमें उतरकर उलछने लगा, उस समय कोई भी उसके समीप खड़ा न हो सका
teṣām eko mahān āsīt sarva-mallān athāhvayat | āvalgamānaṃ taṃ raṅge nopatiṣṭhati kaścana ||
その中に、並外れて巨大で強い力士が一人おり、他の力士すべてに勝負を挑んだ。彼が闘技場に降り立ち、組み合って力を誇示し始めると、誰ひとり近くに立つことすらできず、まして対峙する者はなかった。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how sheer physical power and intimidation can silence opposition in public contests; ethically, it sets the stage for discerning true courage and rightful strength—whether power is used merely to dominate or to uphold fair challenge and honor.
A particularly formidable wrestler among the group enters the arena and openly challenges all other wrestlers. His aggressive, energetic movements and reputation are so daunting that no one dares to approach or accept the bout.