Shloka 4
Kuntī–Karṇa Saṃvāda: Lineage Disclosure and Appeal to Fraternal Dharma
उपप्लब्ये निविष्टोडपि धर्ममेव युधिष्ठिर: । काडक्षते ज्ञाति सौहार्दादू बलवान् दुर्बलो यथा
upaplabyē niviṣṭo 'pi dharmam eva yudhiṣṭhiraḥ | kāṅkṣate jñāti-sauhārdād balavān durbalo yathā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Even after taking his position at Upaplavya, Yudhiṣṭhira seeks only dharma. Out of affection and goodwill toward his own kinsmen, he longs for reconciliation—though strong, he wishes to make peace as if he were weak.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
True strength is shown by restraint: even when militarily prepared, Yudhiṣṭhira prioritizes dharma and seeks a peaceful settlement out of regard for family bonds, choosing reconciliation over domination.
The Pāṇḍavas are stationed at Upaplavya and ready for war, yet Yudhiṣṭhira—despite having power—still desires a treaty/peace, motivated by goodwill toward his relatives, indicating continued efforts to avoid fratricidal conflict.