Shloka 44
शल्यस्य सेनापत्याभ्युपगमः | Śalya’s Acceptance of Command
ये मदर्थे हता: शूरास्तेषां कृतमनुस्मरन् । ऋणं तत् प्रतियुञ्जानो न राज्ये मम आदथधे,“जो शूरवीर मेरे लिये मारे गये हैं, उनके उस उपकारका निरन्तर स्मरण करता हुआ उस ऋणको उतारनेकी चेष्टामें संलग्न होकर मैं राज्यमें मन नहीं लगा सकता
ye madarthe hatāḥ śūrās teṣāṃ kṛtam anusmaran | ṛṇaṃ tat pratiyuñjāno na rājye mama ādadhē ||
Sañjaya said: “Remembering again and again the service rendered by those heroes who were slain for my sake, and striving to repay that debt, I cannot bring my mind to rest upon the business of kingship.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames moral accountability after violence: benefits gained through others’ sacrifice create an enduring ṛṇa (debt). Ethical kingship is not mere enjoyment of power but a burden of repayment, remembrance, and responsibility toward those who suffered on one’s behalf.
Sañjaya reports a speaker’s inner conflict: the memory of warriors who died for his cause prevents him from taking pleasure or settling his mind in royal rule. He feels compelled to repay their obligation rather than simply occupy the throne.