Shloka 44
बक-राक्षसस्य आह्वानम् तथा वृक्षयुद्धम्
Summons of Baka and the Tree-Weapon Engagement
नातिदूरेण नगरं वनादस्माद्धि लक्षये | जागर्तव्ये स्वपन्तीमे हन्त जागर्म्यहं स्वयम्,उस समय भीम इस प्रकार विचार करने लगे--“अहो! इस वनसे थोड़ी ही दूरीपर कोई नगर दिखायी देता है। जबकि जागना चाहिये, ऐसे समय भी ये मेरे भाई सो रहे हैं। अच्छा, मैं स्वयं ही जागरण करूँ। थकावट दूर होनेपर जब ये नींदसे उठेंगे, तभी पानी पियेंगे।” ऐसा निश्चय करके भीमसेन स्वयं उस समय जागरण करने लगे
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: nātidūreṇa nagaraṃ vanād asmād dhi lakṣaye | jāgartavye svapantīme hanta jāgarmy ahaṃ svayam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Not far from this forest, I can make out a city. At a time when one ought to keep watch, my brothers are asleep. Very well—I'll keep vigil myself.” Resolving thus, Bhīmasena stayed awake, intending that once their fatigue had passed and they awoke, they would then drink water—an act of protective responsibility and self-restraint in a moment of vulnerability.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic vigilance and protective responsibility: when circumstances demand alertness, a capable person willingly bears the burden for the safety and well-being of others, showing restraint and care rather than negligence.
Bhīma notices a city not far from the forest and realizes the moment calls for watchfulness. Seeing his brothers asleep, he decides to remain awake himself and let them rest until their fatigue passes, after which they can proceed (including drinking water).