Shloka 24
Uttarā-Pratigrahaṇa and Abhimanyu–Uttarā Vivāha
Virāṭa-parva, Adhyāya 67
क्षुत्पिपासापरिश्रान्ता विदेशस्था विचेतस: । जब कौरव-दलके लोग चले गये या इधर-उधर सब दिशाओंमें भाग गये, उस समय बहुत-से कौरवसैनिक जो घने जंगलमें छिपे हुए थे, वहाँसे निकलकर डरते-डरते अर्जुनके पास आये। उनके मनमें भय समा गया था। वे भूखे-प्यासे और थके-माँदे थे। परदेशमें होनेके कारण उनके हृदयकी व्याकुलता और बढ़ गयी थी। वे उस समय केश खोले और हाथ जोड़े हुए खड़े दिखायी दिये
kṣutpipāsāpariśrāntā videśasthā viceṭasaḥ | yāteṣu kourava-sainyeṣu palāyiteṣu ca sarvataḥ | bahavaḥ kouravāḥ kecid gahanaṁ vanaṁ samāśritāḥ | tato vinirgatyābhītāḥ pāṇḍavaṁ (arjunaṁ) samupāyayuḥ | bhayāviṣṭamanaso bhuktapīteṣu vihīnāḥ kṣutpipāsābhibhūtāś ca pariśrāntāś ca te tadā | videśavāsād vyathitāḥ keśān visṛjya kṛtāñjalayo 'tiṣṭhan |
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: When the Kaurava host had departed or scattered in flight in every direction, many Kaurava soldiers who had been hiding in the dense forest came out and, trembling with fear, approached Arjuna. Their minds were seized by panic. Hungry, thirsty, and worn out—and further distressed by being in a foreign land—they stood before him with loosened hair and folded hands, seeking protection and mercy. The scene underscores how, when pride and aggression collapse, even enemies may be driven to humility and supplication, and the victor’s conduct becomes a test of dharma.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic test that follows victory: when former aggressors become helpless and seek refuge, the righteous response is measured restraint and humane conduct rather than cruelty. Fear and defeat can strip away arrogance, making compassion and protection central ethical concerns.
After the Kaurava forces have dispersed or fled, some soldiers who had been hiding in a dense forest emerge. Hungry, thirsty, exhausted, and distressed in a foreign place, they approach Arjuna in fear, standing with loosened hair and folded hands—classic signs of supplication—seeking safety.