Shloka 15
Indrajit’s Binding, Restoration by Viśalyā, and Counsel Restraining Rāvaṇa (Āraṇyaka Parva 273)
दर्शयामास भीमस्तु तदवस्थं जयद्रथम् । त॑ राजा प्राहसद् दृष्टवा मुच्यतामिति चाब्रवीत्,भीमने उसी अवस्थामें जयद्रथको महाराजके सामने उपस्थित किया। उसे देखकर राजा युधिष्ठिर जोर-जोरसे हँसने लगे और बोले--'अब इसे छोड़ दो”
darśayāmāsa bhīmas tu tad-avasthaṃ jayadratham | sa rājā prāhasad dṛṣṭvā mucyatām iti cābravīt ||
Bhīma brought Jayadratha before the king in that very condition. Seeing him, King Yudhiṣṭhira laughed aloud and said, “Release him now.”
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power over an enemy is a test of dharma: Yudhiṣṭhira models self-restraint and ethical kingship by choosing release over unchecked revenge, even after grave provocation.
After Jayadratha has been captured and reduced to a pitiable state, Bhīma presents him before King Yudhiṣṭhira. Yudhiṣṭhira laughs at the sight and commands that Jayadratha be set free.