Shloka 32
पाण्डवानां वनप्रस्थानवर्णनम् / The Pāṇḍavas’ Departure for the Forest
Vidura’s Report and Portents
द्रौपहुुवाच सरथौ सथनुष्कौ च भीमसेनधनंजयौ । यमौ च वरये राजन्नदासान् स्ववशानहम्
drauapady uvāca: sa-rathau sa-dhanuṣkau ca bhīmasena-dhanañjayau | yamau ca vare rājann adāsān sva-vaśān aham ||
Draupadī said: “O King, as my second boon I choose this: let Bhīmasena and Dhanañjaya (Arjuna), and the twin brothers as well, be restored with their chariots and bows, freed from the condition of slavery, and returned to their own independent control.”
धृतराष्ट उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma as restoration of rightful status: liberation from unjust bondage and the re-establishment of personal autonomy and honor, sought through lawful royal sanction rather than revenge.
After the crisis in the Kuru court, Draupadī asks Dhṛtarāṣṭra for a second boon: that Bhīma, Arjuna, and the twins Nakula and Sahadeva be freed from slavery and regain their chariots and weapons, becoming independent again.