Shloka 3
Draupadī’s Exhortation on Rājadharma and Daṇḍa (द्रौपद्याः राजधर्मोपदेशः)
आसीनमृषभा राज्ञां भ्रातृभि: परिवारितम् । सिंहशार्दूलसदृशैर्वारणैरिव यूथपम्
āsīnam ṛṣabhā rājñāṁ bhrātṛbhiḥ parivāritam | siṁhaśārdūlasadṛśair vāraṇair iva yūthapam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Seeing King Yudhiṣṭhira—the foremost among rulers—seated and surrounded by his brothers, who were like lions and tigers in prowess, like a leader-elephant encircled by mighty elephants, Draupadī turned her gaze toward him and addressed him in a consoling, exceedingly gentle voice.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames ethical leadership as requiring steadiness of mind: even after hearing correct instruction on dharma, a ruler may fall into silence from grief or doubt, and compassionate counsel—here embodied by Draupadī—becomes necessary to reawaken resolve and right action.
Yudhiṣṭhira sits surrounded by his powerful brothers, yet remains silent despite their dharma-instruction. Draupadī looks toward him and begins to speak in a soothing, sweet tone, preparing to counsel and console him.