Shloka 38
Jarāsandha–Bhīma Niyuddha-prastāvaḥ
Commencement of the Regulated Duel
ते तु दृष्टवैव राजानं जरासंध॑ नर्षभा: । इदमूचुरमित्रघ्ना: सर्वे भरतसत्तम,भरतवंशशिरोमणे! शत्रुओंका नाश करनेवाले वे सभी नरश्रेष्ठ राजा जरासंधको देखते ही इस प्रकार बोले--“महाराज! आपका कल्याण हो।” जनमेजय! ऐसा कहकर वे तीनों खड़े हो गये तथा कभी राजा जरासंधको और कभी आपसमें एक दूसरेको देखने लगे
te tu dṛṣṭvaiva rājānaṃ jarāsandhaṃ nararṣabhāḥ | idam ūcur amitraghnāḥ sarve bharatasattama bharatavaṃśaśiromaṇe | “śivaṃ te ’stu mahārāja” iti | janamejaya, evaṃ uktvā te trayaḥ samuttiṣṭhya kadācid rājānaṃ jarāsandhaṃ kadācid anyonyaṃ parasparaṃ ca dadṛśuḥ |
ते तु दृष्ट्वैव राजानं जरासन्धं नरर्षभाः। इदमूचुरमित्रघ्नाः सर्वे भरतसत्तम॥ “महाराज! स्वस्ति ते।” इत्युक्त्वा ते त्रयः सर्वे समुत्तस्थुः। जनमेजय! कदाचिद् राजानं निरीक्षन्ते कदाचिच्च परस्परम्॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in tense political encounters, dhārmic conduct begins with proper respect and auspicious speech. The greeting “śivaṃ te ’stu” reflects courtly restraint and strategic civility, signaling adherence to etiquette before any conflict or negotiation.
Three eminent men come before King Jarāsandha. On seeing him, they formally greet him with honorific epithets and an auspicious blessing. After speaking, they stand and exchange glances—sometimes toward Jarāsandha, sometimes among themselves—suggesting deliberation and the gravity of the situation.