Shloka 4
त्रिगर्त-मात्स्य-संग्रामः
The Trigarta–Matsya Engagement at Twilight
ततस्त्रयोदशस्यान्ते तस्य वर्षस्थ भारत । सुशर्मणा गृहीतं तद् गोधनं तरसा बहु,भारत! तदनन्तर तेरहवें वर्षके अन्तमें सुशर्माने बड़े वेगसे आक्रमण करके विराटकी बहुत-सी गौओंको अपने अधिकारमें कर लिया
tatas trayodaśasyānte tasya varṣastha bhārata | suśarmaṇā gṛhītaṃ tad godhanaṃ tarasā bahu ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Dann, am Ende des dreizehnten Jahres, o Bhārata, ergriff Suśarman mit raschem Zugriff und mit Gewalt einen großen Teil von Virāṭas Vieh.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical fault—seizing another’s wealth by force—and thereby foregrounds the king’s duty to protect subjects and property. It frames conflict as arising from adharma (unjust appropriation), inviting reflection on restraint, rightful conduct, and the responsibilities of power.
At the end of the Pandavas’ thirteenth year, Suśarman launches a swift raid and captures many of King Virāṭa’s cattle. This cattle-seizure becomes the immediate trigger for the ensuing response and the larger sequence of events in the Virāṭa court.