Yudhiṣṭhira’s Reproof and Vow-Logic: On Dice-Deception, Exile Terms, and the Governance of Anger
Adhyāya 35
विश्रुता कथमज्ञाता कृष्णा पार्थ चरिष्यति । पार्थ! यह वीरजननी पवित्रकीर्ति राजकुमारी द्रौपदी सारे संसारमें विख्यात है। भला, यह अज्ञातवासके नियम कैसे निभा सकेगी
viśrutā katham ajñātā kṛṣṇā pārtha cariṣyati | pārtha! iyaṁ vīrajananī pavitrakīrti rājakuṁmārī draupadī sāre saṁsāra-meṁ vikhyāta hai | bhalā, iyaṁ ajñātavāsa-ke niyama kaise nibhā sakegī
قال بهيماسينا: «كيف لكِرِشنا (دراوبدي)، وهي ذائعة الصيت في كل مكان، أن تعيش مجهولة؟ يا بارثا! إن هذه الأميرة دراوبدي—أمُّ الأبطال، وصاحبةُ المجد الطاهر الذي لا شائبة فيه—مشهودٌ لها في أرجاء العالم. فكيف لها إذن أن تلتزم حقًّا بقواعد العيش متخفّيةً التزامًا صارمًا؟»
भीमसेन उवाच
The passage highlights the ethical tension between strict observance of a vow (ajñātavāsa) and the practical realities of protecting dignity and safety. Bhīma argues that social visibility and reputation can make concealment difficult, implying that dharma must be upheld with vigilance and prudent planning, not merely by formal intent.
During the exile context, Bhīma addresses Arjuna (Pārtha) with concern about Draupadī. He points out that she is too famous to remain unrecognized and questions how she can successfully follow the rules of living incognito, foreshadowing the risks the group faces if their identity is exposed.