Mahabharata — Adi Parva, Shloka 13
Adhyāya 123 — Droṇa’s Pedagogy: Arjuna’s Preeminence, Ekalavya’s Self-Training, and the Bhāsa-Lakṣya Trial
सा सलज्जा विहस्याह पुत्र देहि सुरोत्तम । बलवन्तं महाकायं सर्वदर्पप्रभञ्जनम्
sā salajjā vihasyāha putra dehi surottama | balavantaṃ mahākāyaṃ sarva-darpa-prabhañjanam ||
کُنتی نے حیا کے ساتھ مسکرا کر کہا— “اے دیوتاؤں میں برتر! مجھے ایسا بیٹا عطا کیجیے جو نہایت قوی، عظیم الجثہ اور سب کے غرور کو پاش پاش کرنے والا ہو۔”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse values strength that serves dharma: true greatness is not only physical might, but the capacity to break arrogance and uphold rightful order, suggesting that power should be ethically directed.
Kuntī, speaking modestly and with a shy smile, petitions a divine being for a son characterized by exceptional strength and stature—one who can humble the pride of others—indicating her deliberate choice of qualities for an heir.