Shloka 56
Kubera’s Arrival and the Disclosure of Agastya’s Curse
Vaiśaṃpāyana–Janamejaya Narrative
इत्येवमुक्त्वा तौ वीरौ स्पर्थमानौ परस्परम् | बाहुभ्यां समसज्जेतामुभौ रक्षोवृकोदरी,ऐसा कहकर वे दोनों वीर राक्षत और भीम एक-दूसरेसे स्पर्धा रखते हुए बाँहोंसे बाँहें मिलाकर गुथ गये
ity evam uktvā tau vīrau spardhamānau parasparam | bāhubhyāṃ samasajjetām ubhau rakṣo-vṛkodarī ||
毗耶娑波耶那说道：说罢，两位英雄——毗摩（弗利科达罗）与那罗刹——彼此争胜之心炽烈，便逼近相向，臂挽臂地扭作一团，展开角力。此景标志着从言辞转入肉身对决：傲气与武勇将在正面相搏中受检验。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical pivot from speech to action: when rivalry escalates, the contest becomes a direct test of self-control, courage, and strength. It also reflects the kṣatriya ideal of meeting a challenge face-to-face rather than through deceit.
After exchanging words, Bhīma (Vṛkodara) and the rākṣasa move into close combat. They seize each other and grapple, locking arms, signaling the beginning of a decisive physical struggle.