Mahabharata 9.46.87 — Shalya Parva, Adhyaya 46, Shloka 87
Varuṇābhiṣeka–Agni-anveṣaṇa–Kaubera-tīrtha
Varuṇa’s Consecration; Search for Agni; Kaubera Sacred Site
विनिष्पतद्धिः शरभै: सिंहैश्न सहसा द्रुतैः । शोच्यामपि दशां प्राप्तो रराजेव स पर्वत:
viniṣpataddhiḥ śarabhaiḥ siṃhaiś ca sahasā drutaiḥ | śocyām api daśāṃ prāpto rarāj eva sa parvataḥ ||
ವೇಗದಿಂದ ಅಚಾನಕ ದಾಳಿ ಮಾಡಿದ ಶರಭಗಳೂ ಸಿಂಹಗಳೂ ಚೀರಿಹಾಕಿದರೂ, ಕರುಣಾಜನಕ ಸ್ಥಿತಿಗೆ ಬಿದ್ದಿದ್ದರೂ, ಆ ಪರ್ವತ ಕಠೋರವಾದ ಅಕ್ಷಯ ಕಾಂತಿಯಿಂದ ಇನ್ನೂ ಪ್ರಕಾಶಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಂತೆ ಕಂಡಿತು।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a vivid simile to convey that greatness can retain its inherent splendor even when reduced to a wretched state by violent assaults—an ethical reflection on endurance and the tragic dignity seen amid the ruin of war.
Vaiśampāyana describes a scene through comparison: a mountain, though attacked by swift śarabhas and lions and brought to a pitiable condition, still appears radiant—an image likely meant to mirror a formidable figure or battlefield spectacle that remains impressive despite grievous harm.
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