Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 39
द्रौपदी-भीमसेनसंवादः
Draupadī–Bhīmasena Dialogue on Suffering, Kāla, and Daiva
सुकुमारश्न शूरश्न राजानं चाप्यनुव्रतः । ज्येष्ठापचायिनं वीरं स्वयं पाउ्चालि भोजये:
sukumāraś ca śūraś ca rājānaṃ cāpy anuvrataḥ | jyeṣṭhāpacāyinaṃ vīraṃ svayaṃ pāñcāli bhojayeḥ ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “He is delicate, yet heroic; devoted to the king (Yudhiṣṭhira) and faithful in following his commands; a brave man who honors and serves his eldest brother. O Pāñcālī, you yourself should feed him.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic character through loyal service: true valor is paired with gentleness, devotion to rightful authority, and reverence toward elders; care for such a person is presented as a moral responsibility.
In the surrounding episode, Kuntī’s maternal concern is conveyed through Vaiśaṃpāyana’s narration: she asks Draupadī (Pāñcālī) to personally look after Sahadeva—described as tender yet brave, devoted to Yudhiṣṭhira, and respectful to his eldest brother—going so far as to feed him herself.