Shloka 2
Nakula’s Reception in Matsya: Appointment as Aśvasūta
Horse-master
बाहू च दीर्घान् प्रविकीर्य मूर्थजान् महाभुजो वारणतुल्यविक्रम: । गतेन भूमिं प्रतिकम्पयंस्तदा विराटमासाद्य सभासमीपत:,अपने बड़े-बड़े केशोंकी लटोंको खोलकर हाथोंतक फैलाये वह महाबाहु पुरुष उस समय हाथीके समान मस्तानी चालसे चलता और पग-पगपर मानो पृथ्वीको कँपाता हुआ राजसभाके समीप राजा विराटके पास आकर खड़ा हुआ
bāhū ca dīrghān pravikīrya mūrdhajān mahābhujo vāraṇatulyavikramaḥ | gatena bhūmiṃ pratikampayaṃs tadā virāṭam āsādya sabhāsamīpataḥ ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Ibinaba niya ang mahahabang bisig at inalog ang buhok sa ulo hanggang kumalas. Ang lalaking iyon na may makapangyarihang mga bisig—na ang lakas ay tulad ng elepante—ay sumulong na may yabang na tila lasing. Sa bawat hakbang ay wari’y nanginginig ang lupa; at nang marating ang paligid ng bulwagang panghari, tumigil siya at tumindig sa harap ni Haring Virāṭa.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward demeanor—gait, posture, and controlled intimidation—can be used strategically in a royal court. It implicitly contrasts mere display of power with the disciplined, purposeful use of presence to achieve an objective without immediate violence.
A powerful man approaches King Virāṭa near the royal assembly hall. He loosens his hair, lets his long arms hang, and walks with an elephant-like, swaggering stride that seems to shake the ground, then stands before the king—setting up a charged court encounter.