Shloka 46
Jarāsandha–Bhīma Niyuddha-prastāvaḥ
Commencement of the Regulated Duel
वदध्वं वाचि वीर्य च ब्राह्मणस्य विशेषत: । कर्म चैतद् विलिड्रस्थं कि वोउ्द्य प्रसमीक्षितम्,“बताइये, ब्राह्मणके तो प्रायः वचनमें ही वीरता होती है, उसकी क्रियामें नहीं। आपलोगोंने जो यह पर्वतशिखर तोड़नेका काम किया है, यह आपके वर्ण तथा वेषके सर्वथा विपरीत है, बताइये आपने आज क्या सोच रखा है?
vadadhvaṃ vāci vīryaṃ ca brāhmaṇasya viśeṣataḥ | karma caitad viliḍrasthaṃ ki vo ’dya prasamīkṣitam ||
Vaiśampāyana disse: “Falai. A valentia de um brāhmaṇa, em especial, está sobretudo na palavra e no conselho, não na ação física. Contudo, este feito que praticastes—quebrar o cume de uma montanha—contrasta por completo com vossa casta e vossa aparência. Dizei-me: que resolução tomastes hoje?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights varṇa-dharma expectations: a brāhmaṇa’s strength is ideally expressed through speech—learning, counsel, and moral authority—rather than through violent or physically forceful acts. When conduct contradicts one’s declared station and appearance, it raises ethical and social suspicion.
Vaiśaṃpāyana narrates a moment of interrogation: someone has performed a strikingly physical feat—breaking a mountain-peak—despite presenting as brāhmaṇas. The speaker challenges this inconsistency and demands to know their true intention and plan.