Shloka 6
दमयन्त्याः कार्यनिश्चयः — Damayantī’s Crisis Plan and Vārṣṇeya’s Departure
तत्र सम पीना दृश्यन्ते बाहव: परिघोपमा: । आकारवर्णसुश्लक्ष्णा: पञज्चशीर्षा इवोरगा:,वहाँ भूमिपालोंकी (पाँच अँगुलियोंसे युक्त) परिघ-जैसी मोटी भुजाएँ आकार-प्रकार और रंगमें अत्यन्त सुन्दर तथा पाँच मस्तकवाले सर्पके समान दिखायी देती थीं
tatra samapīnā dṛśyante bāhavaḥ parighopamāḥ | ākāravarṇasuślakṣṇāḥ pañcaśīrṣā ivoragāḥ ||
Di sana kelihatan lengan para raja—tebal dan bulat sekata, laksana belantan besi. Licin dan elok pada bentuk serta warna, tampak seperti ular berkepala lima, menandakan kuasa diraja dan bahaya terpendam yang mengiringi keperkasaan perang.
बृहदश्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses vivid similes to frame royal strength as both admirable and potentially perilous: arms like clubs signify capacity to protect and punish, while the five-hooded serpent image hints that power must be governed by restraint and dharma, otherwise it becomes dangerous.
Bṛhadaśva is describing a scene where kings are observed; their physical prowess is highlighted through poetic comparison—stout arms like weapons and smooth, striking appearance like multi-hooded serpents—emphasizing the formidable presence of warrior-rulers.