Shloka 9
Karna’s Martial Boast and Challenge to Bībhatsu
Arjuna
इन्द्रगोपकचित्रं च यदेतच्चारुदर्शनम् । राज्ञो युधिष्ठिरस्यैतद् वैराटे धनुरुत्तमम्,उत्तर! जिसके ऊपर “इन्द्रगोप' (वीरबहूटी) नामक कीटोंका चित्र है और जो देखनेमें मनोहर है, वही यह उत्तम धनुष राजा युधिष्ठिरका है
Uttara uvāca | indragopaka-citraṃ ca yad etac cāru-darśanam | rājño yudhiṣṭhirasya etad vairāṭe dhanur uttamam ||
อุตตรากล่าวว่า “คันศรอันงามตานี้ ซึ่งประดับภาพแมลง ‘อินทรโคปกะ’ และชวนให้ชื่นชม—ในแคว้นวิราฏ—เป็นคันศรชั้นเลิศของพระราชายุธิษฐิระ”
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward signs—such as distinctive ornamentation on a weapon—can serve as markers of identity and status. In the Virāṭa episode, recognition of the Pandavas’ belongings supports the broader ethical tension between concealment (for safety and vow-keeping) and rightful self-disclosure when duty demands action.
Uttara identifies a particular bow by its distinctive indragopaka decoration and states that it belongs to King Yudhiṣṭhira. The statement occurs within the Virāṭa Parva context where the Pandavas’ weapons and identities are being referenced in the setting of Virāṭa’s realm.