Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 32
Śalya–Yudhiṣṭhira Duel and the Discharge of the Śakti (शल्यवधप्रसङ्गः)
शल्यस्तु समरश्लाघी धर्मराजमरिंदमम्
śalyas tu samaraślāghī dharmarājam ariṃdamam
桑阇耶说：沙利耶自负于战场武勇，向“法王”由提施提罗——那位摧敌者——开口说道。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse juxtaposes two ideals: martial pride (samaraślāghī) and righteous kingship (Dharmarāja). It hints at the Mahābhārata’s recurring ethical tension—how personal ego and the culture of boasting in war can challenge the steadiness of dharma, even when addressing a ruler famed for righteousness.
Sañjaya narrates that Śalya—characterized as one who prides himself on battle—speaks to Yudhiṣṭhira (Dharmarāja), described as a crusher of enemies. The line functions as a narrative setup, introducing the tone and stature of the speaker and the addressed king before the ensuing exchange.