Shloka 5
Draupadī’s Exhortation on Rājadharma and Daṇḍa (द्रौपद्याः राजधर्मोपदेशः)
आमन्त्रय विपुलश्रोणी साम्ना परमवल्गुना । भर्तारमभिसम्प्रेक्ष्य ततो वचनमब्रवीत्
āmantarya vipulaśroṇī sāmnā paramavalgunā | bhartāram abhisamprekṣya tato vacanam abravīt ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Having addressed him gently in an exceedingly sweet and soothing tone, the broad-hipped lady looked toward her husband and then spoke. In the dharmic atmosphere of the Śānti-parvan, this verse marks the moment when Draupadī, seeing Yudhiṣṭhira’s silence amid counsel on dharma, steps forward to console and rouse him with words meant to restore resolve and right judgment.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in grief or hesitation, dharmic leadership requires receptive listening and timely, gentle counsel; soothing speech (sāman) can restore clarity and steadiness without abandoning righteousness.
After Yudhiṣṭhira remains silent, Draupadī turns to him, looks at him directly, and begins to speak in a very sweet, conciliatory tone—signaling a shift from silent reflection to active guidance and encouragement.