Shloka 20
Bhīmasena’s Discourse on Kāla, Resolve, and the Feasibility of Ajñātavāsa (भीमसेनस्य कालोपदेशः)
न निद्रामधिगच्छामि चिन्तयानो वृकोदर । अतिसर्वान् धनुग्राहान् सूतपुत्रस्य लाघवम्,वृकोदर! सूतपुत्र कर्णके हाथोंकी फुर्ती समस्त धनुर्धरोंसे बढ़-चढ़कर है। उसका स्मरण करके मुझे अच्छी तरह नींद नहीं आती है
na nidrām adhigacchāmi cintayāno vṛkodara | ati sarvān dhanugrāhān sūtaputrasya lāghavam ||
Dijo Yudhiṣṭhira: «Oh Vṛkodara, no logro conciliar el sueño, pues mi mente no deja de dar vueltas a la veloz destreza del hijo del Sūta. Su rapidez supera a la de todos los que empuñan el arco; al recordar la agilidad de Karṇa, el descanso no llega a mí».
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s mind must realistically assess threats and strengths; yet fixation and fear can erode inner steadiness. The verse highlights the ethical tension between prudent vigilance and anxiety that disturbs one’s peace.
In the forest-exile setting, Yudhiṣṭhira speaks to Bhīma, confessing that he cannot sleep because he keeps recalling Karṇa’s exceptional speed and skill in archery, which he judges superior to other bowmen.