Shloka 9
सर्पसत्रे हुतानां नागानां नामपरिगणनम् | Enumeration of Nāgas Consumed in the Sarpasatra Fire
तुरगा इव तत्रान्ये हस्तिहस्ता इवापरे | मत्ता इव च मातज्रा महाकाया महाबला:,कुछ सर्पोकी आकृति घोड़ोंके समान थी और कुछकी हाथीकी सूँड़के सदृश। कितने ही विशाल-काय महाबली नाग मतवाले गजराजोंको मात कर रहे थे
turagā iva tatrānye hastihastā ivāpare | mattā iva ca mātaṅgā mahākāyā mahābalāḥ ||
Sinabi ni Janamejaya: “Doon, may mga ahas na anyong kabayo, at may iba namang mistulang mga nguso ng elepante. Marami ang napakalaki at napakalakas—gaya ng mga elepanteng panginoon na tila lasing—na sa tindi ng kanilang puwersa’y napapasuko maging ang iba pang dambuhalang hayop.”
जनमेजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily heightens awe through vivid similes, reminding the listener that the world of the Mahābhārata includes beings of extraordinary forms and powers; it encourages humility and careful inquiry when confronting the unknown.
Janamejaya describes the astonishing variety and immense strength of serpents (nāgas) seen there—some horse-like, some resembling elephant trunks, and many huge and powerful like rut-maddened royal elephants.