Shloka 22
अश्वत्थाम-शापः, परिक्षिद्भविष्यत्, मणि-न्यासः
Aśvatthāman’s Curse, Parikṣit’s Future, and the Mani’s Restitution
द्रोणपुत्रस्य सहजं मणिमादाय सत्वरा: । द्रौपदीमभ्यधावन्त प्रायोपेतां मनस्विनीम्
droṇaputrasya sahajaṁ maṇim ādāya satvarāḥ | draupadīm abhyadhāvanta prāyopetāṁ manasvinīm ||
Having swiftly taken the jewel that was born together with Droṇa’s son (Aśvatthāman), they hurried toward the high-minded Draupadī, who had resolved upon prāya (a fast unto death). The verse underscores the tense moral aftermath of atrocity: the community moves quickly with the seized emblem of the offender, seeking to address Draupadī’s grief, her vow, and the demands of justice tempered by restraint.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical urgency that follows violence: symbols of wrongdoing (the seized jewel) are brought before the aggrieved party, suggesting that justice must respond swiftly, yet within dharma—acknowledging grief, vows, and the need for restraint rather than uncontrolled vengeance.
After taking Aśvatthāman’s inborn jewel, the group hastens to Draupadī, who has undertaken a fast unto death (prāya). They are moving quickly to confront the crisis created by the night massacre and to address Draupadī’s resolve and demand for accountability.