Shloka 9
Nārada’s Account of the Kaliṅga Svayaṃvara: Duryodhana’s Seizure and Karṇa’s Escort
काज्चनाड्दिन: सर्वे शुद्धजाम्बूनदप्र भा: । सर्वे भास्वरदेहाश्ष व्यात्रा इव बलोत्कटा:
kāñcanāṅgadinaḥ sarve śuddhajāmbūnadaprabhāḥ | sarve bhāsvaradehāś ca vyāghrā iva balotkaṭāḥ ||
Nārada berkata: “Kesemua mereka memakai gelang lengan emas. Sinar mereka memancar seperti emas Jāmbūnada yang murni; tubuh mereka berkilau dengan seri, dan pada kekuatan mereka garang—laksana harimau.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical ideal often praised in the Śānti Parva: power and prosperity (golden ornaments, radiant bodies) are admirable when paired with disciplined strength. It suggests that true excellence is not mere display, but a controlled, formidable capability aligned with dharma.
Nārada is describing a group of beings/warriors: they wear golden armlets, shine like pure gold, and possess tiger-like strength. The imagery establishes their extraordinary status and sets a tone of awe and authority.