Shloka 41
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 33 — Kuru Cattle-Raid and Matsya Mobilization (भूमिंजय-प्रेरणा)
ततो विराट: प्रस्कन्द्य रथादथ सुशर्मण:,इसी बीचमें बलवान् राजा विराट सुशर्माके रथसे कूद पड़े और उसकी गदा लेकर उसीकी ओर दौड़े। उस समय हाथमें गदा लिये राजा विराट बूढ़े होनेपर भी तरुणके समान रणभूमिमें विचर रहे थे
tato virāṭaḥ praskandya rathād atha suśarmaṇaḥ | gadāṃ gṛhītvā tvarito 'bhidudrāva tam eva ca ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana disse: Então o rei Virāṭa saltou do carro de Suśarman. Tomando a maça, arremeteu diretamente contra ele. Embora já avançado em anos, Virāṭa movia-se pelo campo de batalha com o vigor de um jovem guerreiro—mostrando coragem régia inabalável e a determinação de enfrentar a agressão sem ceder.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma: a ruler must show courage and steadfastness in protecting honor and resisting aggression. Virāṭa’s vigor despite age underscores that duty and resolve can transcend physical limitations.
In the battle episode, King Virāṭa jumps down from Suśarman’s chariot, takes up a mace, and charges directly at Suśarman, moving on the battlefield with youthful energy despite being elderly.