Shloka 51
धृतराष्ट्रविलापः — Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Lament and Inquiry (Śalya-parva, Adhyāya 2)
दुःशासनो विविंशश्व विकर्णश्र महाबल: । कथं हि भीमसेनस्य श्रोष्ये5हं शब्दमुत्तमम्
Duḥśāsano Viviṁśaś ca Vikarṇaś ca mahābalaḥ | kathaṁ hi Bhīmasenasya śroṣye'haṁ śabdam uttamam ||
Dhṛtarāṣṭra sprach: „Duḥśāsana, Viviṁśa und der mächtige Vikarṇa—wie soll ich nun die hochfahrenden Worte Bhīmasenas hören?“
धघतयाट्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral weight of actions: Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s anxious anticipation of Bhīma’s ‘words’ (i.e., report of deeds and outcomes) reflects how adharma-driven choices culminate in unavoidable consequences, especially in war.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra names his sons—Duḥśāsana, Viviṁśa, and Vikarṇa—and asks how he can bear to hear the eminent tidings associated with Bhīmasena, implying fear of what Bhīma has done or will do to the Kauravas in the unfolding battle.