Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 5
Kuntī’s Prayers and the Neutralization of the Brahmāstra
Uttarā Protected; Yudhiṣṭhira’s Grief Begins
साधयित्वाजातशत्रो: स्वं राज्यं कितवैर्हृतम् । घातयित्वासतो राज्ञ: कचस्पर्शक्षतायुष: ॥ ५ ॥
sādhayitvājāta-śatroḥ svaṁ rājyaṁ kitavair hṛtam ghātayitvāsato rājñaḥ kaca-sparśa-kṣatāyuṣaḥ
The clever Duryodhana and his party cunningly usurped the kingdom of Yudhiṣṭhira, who had no enemy. By the grace of the Lord, the recovery was executed, and the unscrupulous kings who joined with Duryodhana were killed by Him. Others also died, their duration of life having decreased for their rough handling of the hair of Queen Draupadī.
In the glorious days, or before the advent of the Age of Kali, the brāhmaṇas, the cows, the women, the children and the old men were properly given protection.
FAQs
This verse recalls that the Pāṇḍavas’ rightful kingdom was taken by deceitful gambling, and that Kṛṣṇa ultimately ensured dharma prevailed by restoring what was stolen.
Ajātaśatru means “one who has no enemies,” highlighting Yudhiṣṭhira’s righteous, non-envious nature even amid political conflict.
Avoid unethical ‘shortcuts’ and deception, and trust that principled action and divine order ultimately restore what is rightfully earned.