Shloka 3
Kaurava Court Hears of the Pāṇḍavas’ Forest Hardship (वैचित्रवीर्यवंशीयस्य राज्ञः करुणाविचारः)
नित्यं चावां प्रार्थयते हर्तुं केशी महासुर: । इच्छत्येनं दैत्यसेना न चाहं पाकशासन
nityaṁ cāvāṁ prārthayate hartuṁ keśī mahāsuraḥ | icchaty enaṁ daityasenā na cāhaṁ pākaśāsana
قال يودهيشثيرا: «إن ذلك العفريت العظيم كيشِي لا يفتأ يطلب خطفنا. وجموع الدانافا ترغب في ذلك؛ غير أني لستُ باكاشاسانا (إندرا) لأقهر مثل هذا الخطر بمجرد السطوة الإلهية.»
युधिषछ्िर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores humility and realistic self-assessment in leadership: Yudhiṣṭhira acknowledges the danger posed by demonic forces and admits he does not possess Indra’s divine power, implying that ethical action must be guided by prudence, counsel, and appropriate means rather than pride.
Yudhiṣṭhira describes an ongoing threat: the great asura Keśī repeatedly attempts to seize them, supported by a Daitya host. He contrasts his human limitations with Indra (Pākaśāsana), indicating the gravity of the situation and the need for a considered response.