Shloka 64
गदायुद्धप्रतिज्ञा — The Vow and Terms of the Mace Duel
तन्मात्रमपि तन्महां न ददाति पुरा भवान् | स कथं पृथिवीमेतां प्रददासि विशाम्पते,मुझे संग्राममें जीतकर इस पृथ्वीका पालन करो। भारत! पहले तो तुम सूईकी नोकसे जितना छिद सके, भूमिका उतना-सा भाग भी मुझे नहीं दे रहे थे। प्रजानाथ! फिर आज यह सारी पृथ्वी कैसे दे रहे हो?
tanmātram api tan mahān na dadāti purā bhavān | sa kathaṁ pṛthivīm etāṁ pradadāsi viśāmpate ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Formerly, though you were so great, you would not grant me even that much—so small a portion. O lord of the people, how is it that today you offer to give away this entire earth?”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical scrutiny of sudden generosity after prior refusal: true righteousness in kingship is measured by consistent justice and fair dealing, not by dramatic offers made under changed circumstances.
Yudhiṣṭhira challenges a ruler’s reversal: earlier he would not concede even a tiny share, yet now he proposes granting the whole earth. The question exposes the moral and political tension behind such a change of stance.