Shloka 29
Sāvitrī’s Trirātra-Vrata and Departure with Satyavān (सावित्रीव्रतनिश्चयः सहगमनं च)
मेघपर्वतसंकाशं शालस्कन्धं महाभुजम् । उरोगतविशालाक्षं महोदरमहामुखम्,वह मेघके समान काला और पर्वतके समान विशालकाय था। साखूकी शाखाके समान उसके कंधे और बड़ी-बड़ी भुजाएँ थीं। उसकी चौड़ी छातीमें दो बड़ी-बड़ी आँखें चमक रहीं थीं और लंबे-से पेटमें बहुत बड़ा मुख दिखायी दे रहा था
meghaparvatasaṅkāśaṃ śālaskandhaṃ mahābhujam | urogataviśālākṣaṃ mahodaramahāmukham ||
Wika ni Mārkaṇḍeya: “Nagmistula siyang bundok na maitim na parang ulap—ang mga balikat ay gaya ng punò ng punong śāla at napakalalaki ng mga bisig. Sa malapad niyang dibdib ay kumikislap ang dalawang malalaking mata, at sa mahaba niyang tiyan ay nakikita ang isang napakalaking bibig.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily uses vivid, hyperbolic imagery to evoke awe and caution: appearances of overwhelming power can unsettle the mind, so one should respond with steadiness and discernment rather than panic—an implicit ethical cue in epic narration.
Mārkaṇḍeya is describing a terrifying, colossal being: cloud-dark and mountain-like, with śāla-tree-like shoulders, huge arms, two large eyes on the chest, and a massive mouth on the belly—setting the scene for an encounter marked by fear and wonder.