Shloka 16
Arjuna’s Himalayan Departure and the Commencement of Severe Tapas
Janamejaya’s Inquiry; Sages Approach Śiva
स विद्धो बहुभिर्बाणैर्दीप्तास्यै: पन्नगैरिव । ममार राक्षसं रूप॑ भूय: कृत्वा विभीषणम्,इस प्रकार प्रज्वलित मुखवाले सर्पोके समान अनेक बाणोंसे घायल होकर वह दानव फिर अपने भयानक राक्षसरूपको प्रकट करते हुए मर गया
sa viddho bahubhir bāṇair dīptāsyaiḥ pannagair iva | mamāra rākṣasaṃ rūpaṃ bhūyaḥ kṛtvā vibhīṣaṇam ||
Vaiśampāyana disse: “Atingido por muitas flechas, como uma serpente de boca em brasa, o demônio—assumindo mais uma vez a terrível forma de rākṣasa—tombou e morreu.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral contrast between terrifying, aggressive power and the inevitable downfall that follows when such force is confronted by resolute, rightful opposition; fearsome appearances do not guarantee victory or endurance.
A demon, pierced by many arrows, is compared to a blazing-mouthed serpent; after again manifesting a dreadful rākṣasa-form, he collapses and dies.