Shloka 31
Jarītā-Śārṅgaka-saṃvādaḥ — The Dialogue of Jaritā and the Śārṅgaka Chicks
Fire-escape deliberation
बृहच्छालप्रतीकाश: प्रतप्तकनकप्रभ: । हरिपिड्रोज्ज्वलश्मश्रु: प्रमाणायामत: सम:
bṛhacchālapratīkāśaḥ prataptakanakaprabhaḥ | haripiḍrojjvalaśmaśruḥ pramāṇāyāmataḥ samaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Siya’y anyong tulad ng malaking punong śāla—matangkad at kahanga-hanga. Ang kanyang ningning ay gaya ng gintong pinainit nang husto. Sa kanyang mga sangkap ay may mga aninong bughaw at dilaw, at ang kanyang balbas at bigote’y kumikislap na kayumangging tila liyab. Ang kanyang tindig at lapad ng katawan ay sukat sa kanyang taas, isang anyong mabigat ang dating.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the epic convention that outer form can signal inner capacity: proportion, radiance, and steadiness are used to indicate strength, readiness for responsibility, and the awe such a person inspires. Ethically, it frames how leaders and warriors are recognized in the narrative—by signs of discipline, vitality, and commanding presence.
Vaiśampāyana is describing a formidable figure’s appearance—his height like a śāla tree, golden radiance, distinctive coloration, and bright tawny facial hair—emphasizing that he is powerfully built and proportionate, thereby preparing the listener to regard him as significant in the unfolding events.