Shloka 56
Kubera’s Arrival and the Disclosure of Agastya’s Curse
Vaiśaṃpāyana–Janamejaya Narrative
इत्येवमुक्त्वा तौ वीरौ स्पर्थमानौ परस्परम् | बाहुभ्यां समसज्जेतामुभौ रक्षोवृकोदरी,ऐसा कहकर वे दोनों वीर राक्षत और भीम एक-दूसरेसे स्पर्धा रखते हुए बाँहोंसे बाँहें मिलाकर गुथ गये
ity evam uktvā tau vīrau spardhamānau parasparam | bāhubhyāṃ samasajjetām ubhau rakṣo-vṛkodarī ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśaṃpāyana: Pagkasabi nito, ang dalawang bayani—si Bhīma (Vṛkodara) at ang rākṣasa—na kapwa nag-aalab sa paghamon sa isa’t isa, ay lumapit at nagbuno, magkakandadong bisig sa bisig. Tinatakdaan ng tagpong ito ang paglipat mula sa salita tungo sa tuwirang tunggalian ng katawan, kung saan sinusukat ang dangal at lakas sa harapang sagupaan.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical pivot from speech to action: when rivalry escalates, the contest becomes a direct test of self-control, courage, and strength. It also reflects the kṣatriya ideal of meeting a challenge face-to-face rather than through deceit.
After exchanging words, Bhīma (Vṛkodara) and the rākṣasa move into close combat. They seize each other and grapple, locking arms, signaling the beginning of a decisive physical struggle.