Shloka 28
Arjuna’s Concentrated Archery and the Rout of the Kaurava Mahārathas
Gāṇḍīva-Nirghoṣa Episode
तस्य निर्मुच्यमानस्य कवचात् काय आबभौ | समये मुच्यमानस्य सर्पस्येव तनुर्यथा,कवचसे मुक्त होनेपर कृपाचार्यका शरीर इस प्रकार सुशोभित हुआ, मानो समयपर केंचुल छूटनेके बाद सर्पका शरीर सुशोभित हो रहा हो
tasya nirmucyamānasya kavacāt kāya ābabhau | samaye mucyamānasya sarpasyeva tanur yathā ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Habang inaalis ang kaniyang baluti, ang katawan ni Kṛpācārya ay nagningning—gaya ng katawan ng ahas na kumikislap kapag, sa tamang panahon, inihuhulog nito ang lumang balat. Ipinahihiwatig ng larawang ito ang sandali ng pagluwag: kapag ang mga panangga ay isinasantabi sa nararapat na oras, lumilitaw ang likás na lakas at dangal nang walang pagkamapagsalakay, tanda ng kahandaang ginagabayan ng kagandahang-asal at hindi ng pagyayabang.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses the seasonal shedding of a serpent’s skin to suggest that when burdens or coverings are removed at the proper time, one’s inherent vigor and dignity become visible. It hints at disciplined timing and propriety (samaya) rather than mere display.
In Vaiśampāyana’s narration, Kṛpācārya has his armour taken off; as it is removed, his body appears splendid, compared to a serpent looking radiant after shedding its slough in season.