Shloka 54
क्षत्तारं कुरुराजस्तु शनै: कर्ण उपाजपत् । उत्तर: प्रविशत्वेको न प्रवेश्या बृहन्नला,तब जाते हुए सेवकके कानमें युधिष्ठिरने धीरेसे कहा--“पहले अकेले राजकुमार उत्तर ही यहाँ आवें। बृहन्नलाको साथमें न ले आना”
kṣattāraṃ kururājas tu śanaiḥ karṇa upājapat | uttaraḥ praviśatv eko na praveśyā bṛhannalā |
Vaiśampāyana said: The Kuru king (Yudhiṣṭhira), speaking softly, addressed Karṇa, the attendant. “Let Prince Uttara enter here alone; do not bring Bṛhannalā in with him.” The instruction is cautious and ethically deliberate—Yudhiṣṭhira seeks to manage appearances and timing, protecting both the disguise of the Pāṇḍavas and the dignity and safety of those involved, while ensuring the next step is taken with minimal risk and maximum propriety.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic prudence: speech should be measured and actions timed wisely. Yudhiṣṭhira’s quiet instruction shows ethical restraint—protecting a vulnerable situation (disguise, reputation, safety) through careful procedure rather than impulsive display.
In Virāṭa’s court, Yudhiṣṭhira discreetly instructs an attendant to admit Prince Uttara alone and not to bring Bṛhannalā (Arjuna in disguise) with him, indicating a controlled, strategic arrangement for the next encounter.