Shloka 43
Kṛṣṇa at Duryodhana’s House: Refusal of Hospitality and Departure to Vidura (कृष्णस्य धार्तराष्ट्रनिवेशनगमनम्)
सर्व: पुत्रै: प्रियतरा द्रौपदी मे जनार्दन । कुलीना रूपसम्पन्ना सर्वे: समुदिता गुणै:ः
sarvaḥ putraiḥ priyatarā draupadī me janārdana | kulīnā rūpasampannā sarvaiḥ samuditā guṇaiḥ ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: «Oh Janārdana, Draupadī me es más querida que todos mis hijos. Nacida de linaje noble, dotada de hermosura y colmada de toda virtud.»
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse elevates ethical valuation over mere kinship: true esteem is grounded in guṇa (virtue), noble conduct, and integrity. It implies that reverence and affection should follow character and dharmic excellence, not only biological ties.
In the Udyoga Parva setting of mounting conflict and negotiations, the speaker addresses Kṛṣṇa (Janārdana) and highlights Draupadī’s exceptional worth—declaring her dearer than sons and praising her noble birth, beauty, and virtues—thereby underscoring her central importance in the unfolding moral and political crisis.