Shloka 60
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 33 — Kuru Cattle-Raid and Matsya Mobilization (भूमिंजय-प्रेरणा)
एवं ते जीवितं दद्यामेष युद्धजितो विधि: । तमुवाच ततो ज्येष्ठो भ्राता सप्रणयं वच:
evaṁ te jīvitaṁ dadyām eṣa yuddha-jito vidhiḥ | tam uvāca tato jyeṣṭho bhrātā sapraṇayaṁ vacaḥ ||
“If you accept this, I will grant you your life; this is the rule observed by one who has won in battle.” After Bhīma spoke thus, the eldest brother, Yudhiṣṭhira, addressed him with affectionate, conciliatory words—signaling that victory must be governed by dharma and restraint rather than mere wrath.
भीम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Victory in battle is not license for cruelty; the victor is expected to follow a recognized code (vidhi) that can include sparing a defeated foe under stated conditions, and elders like Yudhiṣṭhira temper force with dharma and compassion.
Bhīma declares that if the opponent accepts his terms, he will spare his life, citing the victor’s rule in warfare. Immediately afterward, Yudhiṣṭhira—the eldest brother—speaks to Bhīma affectionately, indicating guidance and moral moderation in the aftermath of combat.