Shloka 26
Rājasūya-sambhāra: Prosperity under Rājadharma and the Initiation of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Sacrifice
एवं बहुविधान् देशान् विजित्य पवनात्मज: । वसु तेभ्य उपादाय लौहित्यमगमद् बली,इस प्रकार पवनपुत्र बलवान् भीमने बहुत-से देशोंपर अधिकार प्राप्त करके उन सबसे धन लेकर लौहित्य देशकी यात्रा की
evaṃ bahuvidhān deśān vijitya pavanātmajaḥ | vasu tebhya upādāya lauhityam agamad balī ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Thus the mighty Bhīma, son of the Wind-god, having conquered many and varied regions and taken wealth from them, proceeded onward to the land of Lauhitya. The episode underscores the royal duty of securing resources and asserting sovereignty, while also hinting at the ethical tension inherent in conquest and exaction of tribute.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse reflects rājadharma in practice: a prince asserts authority by subduing regions and collecting wealth/tribute to support state aims. It also invites ethical reflection on the limits and just conduct of conquest—power is portrayed as purposeful and accountable, not merely predatory.
Vaiśampāyana narrates Bhīma’s campaign: after conquering many territories and collecting wealth from them, the powerful son of the Wind-god continues his journey toward the region called Lauhitya.