Shloka 28
शल्यस्य सेनापत्याभ्युपगमः | Śalya’s Acceptance of Command
प्राप्ता: कामा: श्रुता वेदा: शत्रूणां मूर्थ्नि च स्थितम् भृत्या मे सुभृतास्तात दीनश्वाभ्युदूधृतो जन:
prāptāḥ kāmāḥ śrutā vedāḥ śatrūṇāṃ mūrdhni ca sthitam | bhṛtyā me subhṛtās tāta dīnaśvābhyudūdhṛto janaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “All desired ends have been attained; the Vedas have been duly studied; and I have stood upon the very heads of my enemies. My attendants are well maintained, dear sir, and the people have been raised up from wretchedness and want.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a ruler’s self-assessment in terms of worldly success—fulfilled desires, learning, victory over enemies, and welfare of dependents. Ethically, it invites reflection on how power and learning can become grounds for pride, and how true dharma requires that prosperity and victory be tempered by humility and responsibility toward one’s people.
Sañjaya reports a statement of triumph and accomplishment: the speaker claims to have achieved desired goals, mastered sacred learning, dominated enemies, and ensured that servants and the populace are properly supported and uplifted from hardship.