Shloka 4
Adhyāya 8 — Vidura’s Return and the Kaurava Counsel (Āraṇyaka-parva)
तदयं कि नु पापात्मा तव पुत्र: सुमन्दधी: । पाण्डवान् नित्यसंक्रुद्धों राज्यहेतोर्जिधांसति,ऐसा जानते हुए भी तुम्हारा यह पापात्मा एवं मूर्ख पुत्र क्यों सदा रोषमें भरा रहकर राज्यके लिये पाण्डवोंका वध करना चाहता है
tad ayaṃ ki nu pāpātmā tava putraḥ sumandadhīḥ | pāṇḍavān nityasaṃkruddho rājyahator jighāṃsati ||
Why, then, does this sinful-souled son of yours—of dull understanding—remain ever inflamed with anger and seek to kill the Pāṇḍavas for the sake of kingship?
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how craving for power (rājya) and uncontrolled anger can eclipse discernment (dhī) and lead to adharma—specifically, the intention to commit violence against rightful kin. It implicitly urges restraint, ethical reflection, and prioritizing dharma over ambition.
Vyāsa confronts the addressee (the father) about his son’s persistent rage and murderous intent toward the Pāṇḍavas, motivated by the desire for the kingdom. The line functions as a moral interrogation: despite knowing the consequences and the wrongness, the son remains bent on killing for sovereignty.