Shloka 146
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 42 — Duryodhana’s counsel to Bhīṣma on ajñātavāsa risk and raid strategy
प्रमाणरूपसम्पन्न: पीत आकाशसंनिभ: । जिसे बकरेके चमड़ेकी बनी हुई म्यानमें रखा गया है, जो सोनेकी मूठसे युक्त और सुवर्णभूषित स्वरूपवाली है, वह उचित लंबाई-चौड़ाई एवं आकृतिवाली, आकाशके समान नीलोज्ज्वल एवं पानीदार तलवार किसकी है?
pramāṇarūpasampannaḥ pīta ākāśasaṃnibhaḥ |
उत्तर उवाच— अजचर्ममय्यां म्यानायां निहिता, स्वर्णमुष्टियुता सुवर्णालङ्कृतवपुः; प्रमाणरूपसम्पन्ना, पीता, आकाशसंनिभा, नीलोज्ज्वलप्रभा सस्नेह इव दीप्तिमती—कस्यैषा खड्गिका?॥
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Kshatriya ethos: weapons are not mere objects of display but symbols of duty and readiness. The careful attention to a sword’s proper form and adornment underscores disciplined preparedness and the ethical seriousness with which martial responsibility is regarded.
In the Virata Parva episode surrounding the impending conflict, Uttara notices an exceptionally fine sword—well-made, richly adorned, and striking in color—and asks whose weapon it is. The question functions as a narrative cue leading into the revelation and use of martial equipment in the unfolding battle context.