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 ||
അവൻ മഹത്തായ ശാലവൃക്ഷംപോലെ ഉയരവും ഗാംഭീര്യവും ഉള്ളവൻ; അവന്റെ ദീപ്തി നന്നായി ചൂടാക്കിയ സ്വർണ്ണംപോലെ. അവയവങ്ങളിൽ നീല-മഞ്ഞ നിറഛായ; താടി-മീശ പിംഗളവർണ്ണത്തിൽ അഗ്നിശിഖപോലെ ഉജ്ജ്വലം; ശരീരഘടന ഉയരത്തിന് അനുപാതമായി സമമായിരുന്നു।
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.