Shloka 15
सुभद्राहरणम्
Subhadrā-haraṇa: Arjuna’s Taking of Subhadrā and the Dvārakā Assembly’s Response
हियमाणे धने तस्मिन् ब्राह्मणस्य तपस्विन: । अश्रुप्रमार्जनं तस्य कर्तव्यमिति निश्चय:,“इस तपस्वी ब्राह्मणके गोधनका अपहरण हो रहा है; अतः ऐसे समयमें इसके आँसू पोंछना मेरा कर्तव्य है। यही मेरा निश्चय है
hriyamāṇe dhane tasmin brāhmaṇasya tapasvinaḥ | aśrupramārjanaṃ tasya kartavyam iti niścayaḥ ||
As the wealth of that ascetic brāhmaṇa was being carried off, he resolved: “At such a moment, it is my duty to wipe away his tears. This is my firm decision.” The line frames compassion and protection of the vulnerable as an immediate obligation of dharma when injustice is occurring.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
When wrongdoing is happening—especially against a vulnerable, righteous person—dharma demands immediate compassionate action. ‘Wiping away tears’ signifies not only comfort but also taking responsibility to respond to injustice.
The narrator reports a moment where an ascetic brāhmaṇa’s property is being taken away. In response, the speaker forms a firm resolve that it is his duty to console the afflicted brāhmaṇa—symbolized by wiping his tears—at that critical time.