Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 17
Adhyāya 14: Sudēṣṇā Sends Sairandhrī to Kīcaka’s House (सुदेष्णा–सैरन्ध्री–कीचक संवादः)
अतीवरूपिणी कि त्वमनजड्राड्रविहारिणी । अतीव भ्राजसे सुभ्रु प्रभेवेन्दोरनुत्तमा
atīvarūpiṇī ki tvaṁ anajaḍrāḍravihāriṇī | atīva bhrājase subhru prabhevendōranuttamā
Vaiśampāyana nói: “Nàng là ai—đẹp đến tột bậc, bước đi ung dung, tự tại không chút do dự? Hỡi người mày ngài, nàng rực sáng mãnh liệt với quang huy như trăng, không gì sánh kịp.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment and respectful speech: extraordinary presence should be met with attentive inquiry and dignified praise, not rash judgment. It models a cultured response—recognizing excellence while seeking identity and context before acting.
In Virāṭa Parva, during the Pāṇḍavas’ incognito period, a speaker (as narrated by Vaiśampāyana) addresses a woman whose appearance and bearing seem exceptional. The line expresses astonishment and admiration, comparing her radiance to the moon and asking who she is.