Shloka 16
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 13 — Kīcaka’s Proposition and Draupadī’s Dharmic Refusal
महाकाया महावीर्या: कालखज्जा इवासुरा: । वीर्योन्मत्ता बलोदग्रा राज्ञा समभिपूजिता:,वहाँ आये हुए विशालकाय और महान् बलशाली मल्ल कालखंज नामक असुरोंके समान जान पड़ते थे। वे सब अपनी शक्ति और पराक्रमके मदसे उन्मत्त थे एवं बलमें बहुत बड़े-चढ़े थे। राजा विराटने उन सबका खूब स्वागत- सत्कार किया
mahākāyā mahāvīryāḥ kālakhajjā ivāsurāḥ | vīryonmattā balodagrā rājñā samabhipūjitāḥ ||
महाकायाः महावीर्याः कालखज्जा इवासुराः । वीर्योन्मत्ताः बलोदग्राः राज्ञा समभिपूजिताः ॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts brute strength and pride with the kingly duty of honoring guests and dependents. Even when people are arrogant or intimidating, a ruler is expected to uphold decorum and hospitality, maintaining social order through respectful reception.
In Virāṭa’s court, powerful wrestlers arrive and are described as gigantic and demon-like, intoxicated with their own strength. King Virāṭa receives them warmly and honors them, indicating their valued status at court and setting the scene for ensuing events involving feats of strength.