Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 2
अध्याय ५०: उत्तरेण सह अर्जुनस्य रथप्रयाणे ध्वजचिह्नैः कौरवसेनानिर्देशः
Arjuna directs Uttara by identifying Kaurava commanders through banners
संग्रामांश्च बहून् जित्वा लब्धवा च विपुलं धनम् | विजित्य च परां सेनां नाहु: किंचन पौरुषम्
saṅgrāmāṁś ca bahūn jitvā labdhvā ca vipulaṁ dhanam | vijitya ca parāṁ senāṁ nāhuḥ kiñcana pauruṣam ||
कृप उवाच—संग्रामान् बहून् जित्वा लब्ध्वा च विपुलं धनम् । विजित्य च परां सेनां नाहुः किञ्चन पौरुषम् ॥ अग्निरवाक्य एव सर्वं दहति भस्मसात्; दिवाकरस्तूष्णीं भाति; वसुधा चापि मौनवती सचराचरं जगद् धारयति। एवं सत्पौरुषं कर्मणा प्रकाशते, न तु व्यर्थवाक्यप्रशंसया।
कृप उवाच
Educational Q&A
True heroism is measured by action and restraint, not by loud self-advertisement. The verse praises quiet strength and condemns vain boasting, using nature (fire, sun, earth) as models of effective, silent power.
Kṛpa is admonishing boastful talk in a martial context, reminding listeners that even great victories and gains do not justify empty bragging; the wise maintain dignity and let deeds speak.
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