Shloka 21
Aśvatthāman’s Admonition to Karṇa on Boasting, Varṇa-Duties, and the Threat of Arjuna
Virāṭa-parva, Adhyāya 45
यो<यं धुरं धुर्यवरो वामां वहति शोभन: । त॑ मन्ये मेघपुष्पस्य जवेन सदृशं हयम्,और भार ढोनेवालोंमें श्रेष्ठ जो यह सुन्दर अश्व बाँयीं धुरीका भार वहन करता है, उसे वेगमें मेघपुष्प नामक अश्वके समान मानता हूँ
yo ’yaṃ dhuraṃ dhuryavaro vāmāṃ vahati śobhanaḥ | taṃ manye meghapuṣpasya javena sadṛśaṃ hayam ||
ఉత్తర చెప్పెను—యుగానికి తగిన అశ్వములలో శ్రేష్ఠుడైన ఈ శోభన అశ్వము ఎడమ ధురి భారమును మోస్తున్నది; దీని వేగము ‘మేఘపుష్ప’నామ ప్రసిద్ధ అశ్వముతో సమానమని నేను భావించుచున్నాను।
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores discernment and realism in moments of danger: true readiness for conflict depends on recognizing genuine capability—steadiness under load and speed—rather than empty confidence. Praising the horse’s proven fitness reflects a practical, duty-oriented mindset suited to kṣatriya action.
Uttara is observing the chariot team and singles out a particular horse that bears the left-side yoke-load, praising it as exceptionally fit and as swift as the celebrated horse Meghapuṣpa. The remark occurs amid the martial setting of Virāṭa Parva, where chariot preparation and appraisal of resources are narratively significant.