Shloka 9
सर्पसत्रे हुतानां नागानां नामपरिगणनम् | Enumeration of Nāgas Consumed in the Sarpasatra Fire
तुरगा इव तत्रान्ये हस्तिहस्ता इवापरे | मत्ता इव च मातज्रा महाकाया महाबला:,कुछ सर्पोकी आकृति घोड़ोंके समान थी और कुछकी हाथीकी सूँड़के सदृश। कितने ही विशाल-काय महाबली नाग मतवाले गजराजोंको मात कर रहे थे
turagā iva tatrānye hastihastā ivāpare | mattā iva ca mātaṅgā mahākāyā mahābalāḥ ||
Janamejaya disse: “Ali, algumas daquelas serpentes tinham a forma de cavalos, enquanto outras se assemelhavam às trombas dos elefantes. Muitas eram de corpo vasto e de grande força—como elefantes senhoriais embriagados—e, só pelo ímpeto, subjugavam até outras grandes feras.”
जनमेजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily heightens awe through vivid similes, reminding the listener that the world of the Mahābhārata includes beings of extraordinary forms and powers; it encourages humility and careful inquiry when confronting the unknown.
Janamejaya describes the astonishing variety and immense strength of serpents (nāgas) seen there—some horse-like, some resembling elephant trunks, and many huge and powerful like rut-maddened royal elephants.