Shloka 28
Arjuna’s Concentrated Archery and the Rout of the Kaurava Mahārathas
Gāṇḍīva-Nirghoṣa Episode
तस्य निर्मुच्यमानस्य कवचात् काय आबभौ | समये मुच्यमानस्य सर्पस्येव तनुर्यथा,कवचसे मुक्त होनेपर कृपाचार्यका शरीर इस प्रकार सुशोभित हुआ, मानो समयपर केंचुल छूटनेके बाद सर्पका शरीर सुशोभित हो रहा हो
tasya nirmucyamānasya kavacāt kāya ābabhau | samaye mucyamānasya sarpasyeva tanur yathā ||
เมื่อเกราะของเขาถูกปลดออก ร่างของกฤปาจารย์ก็ส่องประกายดุจร่างงูที่งดงามผ่องใสเมื่อถึงกาลอันควรแล้วลอกคราบ
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses the seasonal shedding of a serpent’s skin to suggest that when burdens or coverings are removed at the proper time, one’s inherent vigor and dignity become visible. It hints at disciplined timing and propriety (samaya) rather than mere display.
In Vaiśampāyana’s narration, Kṛpācārya has his armour taken off; as it is removed, his body appears splendid, compared to a serpent looking radiant after shedding its slough in season.