Shloka 28
Jarāsandha–Bhīma Niyuddha-prastāvaḥ
Commencement of the Regulated Duel
गोवासमिव वीक्षन्त: सिंहा हैमवता यथा । शालस्तम्भनिभास्तेषां चन्दनागुरुरूषिता:
govāsam iva vīkṣantaḥ siṃhā haimavatā yathā | śālastambhanibhās teṣāṃ candanāgururūṣitāḥ ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Tumingin sila na wari’y mga leon ng Himalaya na nakatanaw sa kulungan ng mga baka—matatag, di matinag, at may layong manila. Ang kanilang mga katawan, matataas at matitibay na parang mga haliging kahoy na śāla, ay pinahiran at pinabango ng sandal at aloe, kaya’t mabango—nagpapakita ng pino at maharlikang anyo, at ng nakapanghihilakbot na lakas sa masidhing himpapawid ng kapulungan.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward refinement (perfumes, regal bearing) can coexist with inner aggression; ethical discernment requires seeing beyond appearances, especially in political assemblies where power often masks predatory intent.
In the assembly setting, a group is described as watching others with the threatening focus of Himalayan lions eyeing a cattle enclosure, while their imposing, pillar-like physiques and fragrant anointments underscore both their status and their readiness to dominate.