Shloka 23
Parīkṣit-janma-saṃkaṭa and Kuntī’s petition to Vāsudeva (परिक्षिज्जन्मसंकटं कुन्त्याः प्रार्थना च)
सा पुराभिमुखा राजन्नुवाह महती चमू: । कृच्छाद् द्रविणभारार्ता हर्षयन्ती कुरूद्वहान्,राजन! वे वाहनोंपर बोझ अधिक होनेके कारण दो-दो कोसपर मुकाम देते जाते थे। द्रव्यके भारसे कष्ट पाती हुई वह विशाल सेना उन कुरुश्रेष्ठ वीरोंका हर्ष बढ़ाती हुई बड़ी कठिनाईसे नगरकी ओर उस धनको ले जा रही थी
sā purābhimukhā rājann uvāha mahatī camūḥ | kṛcchād draviṇabhārārtā harṣayantī kurūdvahān ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O King, that vast army moved forward toward the city. Struggling under the heavy burden of wealth, it advanced only with great difficulty, yet it heightened the joy and pride of the foremost heroes of the Kurus as it carried the treasure onward.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and practical weight of royal wealth: treasure is not merely possession but responsibility. Even a victorious host must endure hardship to transport and safeguard resources, and such disciplined endurance sustains the morale and honor of the Kuru leaders.
A large army is moving toward the city carrying a heavy load of wealth. Because of the burden, the march is difficult, yet the successful conveyance of the treasure increases the satisfaction and confidence of the foremost Kuru warriors.