Shloka 17
Droṇotpattiḥ and Dhanurveda-Prāpti
Origin of Droṇa and Acquisition of Martial Science
आसीत् काक्षीवती चास्य भार्या परमसम्मता | भद्रा नाम मनुष्येन्द्र रूपेणासदृशी भुवि
āsīt kākṣīvatī cāsya bhāryā paramasammatā | bhadrā nāma manuṣyendra rūpeṇāsadṛśī bhuvi |
Vaiśampāyana berkata: Baginda mempunyai seorang permaisuri bernama Bhadrā, puteri Raja Kakṣīvān, yang amat dikasihi dan dipandang paling mulia dalam segala hal. Wahai yang terbaik antara manusia, di bumi ini tiada wanita lain yang setanding dengannya dari segi kecantikan.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights social-ethical ideals of royal marriage: noble lineage, public esteem, and exemplary qualities. By stressing that Bhadrā is 'paramasammatā' and 'asadṛśī', the narrative frames her as an idealized figure whose worth is recognized both privately (as beloved) and publicly (as esteemed).
Vaiśampāyana introduces a key woman in the lineage: Bhadrā, identified as the daughter of King Kakṣīvān and as the wife of the man being discussed. The verse functions as character-setting, emphasizing her exceptional beauty and high regard.