Shloka 31
Jarītā-Śārṅgaka-saṃvādaḥ — The Dialogue of Jaritā and the Śārṅgaka Chicks
Fire-escape deliberation
बृहच्छालप्रतीकाश: प्रतप्तकनकप्रभ: । हरिपिड्रोज्ज्वलश्मश्रु: प्रमाणायामत: सम:
bṛhacchālapratīkāśaḥ prataptakanakaprabhaḥ | haripiḍrojjvalaśmaśruḥ pramāṇāyāmataḥ samaḥ ||
毗湿摩波耶那说：他形貌如巨大的娑罗树，高峻而威严；其光辉如炼熟之金。四肢隐现青与黄的色泽，须髯呈黄褐之辉，宛若火焰闪耀。其体格宽厚，与身量相称，气势逼人。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the epic convention that outer form can signal inner capacity: proportion, radiance, and steadiness are used to indicate strength, readiness for responsibility, and the awe such a person inspires. Ethically, it frames how leaders and warriors are recognized in the narrative—by signs of discipline, vitality, and commanding presence.
Vaiśampāyana is describing a formidable figure’s appearance—his height like a śāla tree, golden radiance, distinctive coloration, and bright tawny facial hair—emphasizing that he is powerfully built and proportionate, thereby preparing the listener to regard him as significant in the unfolding events.