Shloka 23
Aśvatthāman’s Admonition to Karṇa on Boasting, Varṇa-Duties, and the Threat of Arjuna
Virāṭa-parva, Adhyāya 45
यो<यं वहति मे पार्ष्णि दक्षिणामभित: स्थित: । बलाहकादपि मत: स जवे वीर्यवत्तर:,और यह जो दाहिने भागका पिछला जुआ धारण करके खड़ा है, वह वेगमें बलाहक नामवाले अश्वसे भी अधिक समझा गया है
yo ’yaṁ vahati me pārṣṇi dakṣiṇām abhitaḥ sthitaḥ | balāhakād api mataḥ sa jave vīryavattaraḥ ||
Uttara berkata: “Yang ini, berdiri di sebelah kananku sambil memikul palang kuk belakang di bahagian tumit kereta, dianggap lebih pantas daripada kuda bernama Balāhaka—dan lebih unggul juga pada keperwiraannya.”
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment in assessing capability: true strength is recognized through function and performance (speed and vigor), not merely reputation—an ethical reminder to judge competence by demonstrated qualities in moments of duty.
Uttara is pointing out and praising a particular horse positioned on the right side of the chariot, noting that it bears an important rear attachment and is considered faster than the renowned horse Balāhaka, emphasizing the team’s readiness and power.