Shloka 13
Adhyāya 123 — Droṇa’s Pedagogy: Arjuna’s Preeminence, Ekalavya’s Self-Training, and the Bhāsa-Lakṣya Trial
सा सलज्जा विहस्याह पुत्र देहि सुरोत्तम । बलवन्तं महाकायं सर्वदर्पप्रभञ्जनम्
sā salajjā vihasyāha putra dehi surottama | balavantaṃ mahākāyaṃ sarva-darpa-prabhañjanam ||
குந்தி வெட்கத்துடன் புன்னகைத்து கூறினாள்— “தேவர்களில் சிறந்தவனே! எனக்கு மிகுந்த வலிமையும் பேருருவும் உடைய, அனைவரின் அகந்தையையும் நொறுக்கும் ஒரு மகனை அருள்வாயாக.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse values strength that serves dharma: true greatness is not only physical might, but the capacity to break arrogance and uphold rightful order, suggesting that power should be ethically directed.
Kuntī, speaking modestly and with a shy smile, petitions a divine being for a son characterized by exceptional strength and stature—one who can humble the pride of others—indicating her deliberate choice of qualities for an heir.