Shloka 44
Vyāsa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira: Pratismṛti-vidyā, Arjuna’s Aśtra-Quest, and the Move to Kāmyaka
ब्राह्यया श्रिया दीप्यमानं पिड़लं जटिलं कृशम् | सोडब्रवीदर्जुनं तत्र स्थितं दृष्टत्वा महातपा:,वे अपने ब्रह्मतेजसे उदभासित हो रहे थे। उनकी अंगकान्ति पिंगलवर्णकी थी। सिरपर जटा बढ़ी हुई थी और शरीर अत्यन्त कृश था। उन महातपस्वीने अर्जुनको वहाँ खड़े हुए देखकर पूछा--
brāhmyā śriyā dīpyamānaṃ piṅgalaṃ jaṭilaṃ kṛśam | so ’bravīd arjunaṃ tatra sthitaṃ dṛṣṭvā mahātapāḥ ||
Wika ni Vaiśampāyana: Nagliliwanag sa Brahmanikong ningning, kulay-kayumanggi-dilaw, may buhol-buhol na jata, at lubhang payat, ang dakilang asceta—nang makita si Arjuna na nakatayo roon—ay nagsalita sa kanya sa pamamagitan ng isang tanong. Ipinahihiwatig ng tagpong ito ang moral na kapangyarihan ng tapas (mahigpit na pag-aayuno at pagdidisiplina) at ang ningning ng espiritu na nag-uutos ng paggalang at nagbubukas ng pagtuturo o pagsubok.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights tapas as a source of moral and spiritual authority: the ascetic’s Brahmanical radiance signifies inner discipline and purity, positioning him as a figure who can question, guide, or test a warrior like Arjuna within the framework of dharma.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes a powerful ascetic—radiant, tawny-hued, matted-haired, and lean—who notices Arjuna standing nearby and begins to speak to him, initiating an encounter that typically leads to counsel, a test, or a significant exchange.