Shloka 7
भीमस्य जलान्वेषणं तथा वनविश्रान्तिः
Bhīma’s Search for Water and the Forest Halt
एते चान्ये च बहवः कुमारा बहुविक्रमा: । अहं पूर्वमहं पूर्वमित्येवं क्षत्रियर्षभा:
ete cānye ca bahavaḥ kumārā bahuvikramāḥ | ahaṃ pūrvam ahaṃ pūrvam ity evaṃ kṣatriyarṣabhāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana dit : «Et ceux-ci, avec bien d’autres princes d’une grande vaillance, se pressaient en avant en criant : “Moi d’abord ! Moi d’abord !”, tels des taureaux parmi les kṣatriyas, avides de se surpasser».
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya drive for precedence and renown—valor can inspire excellence, but unchecked eagerness to be ‘first’ also hints at pride and rivalry, which later narratives often show can lead to conflict and ethical strain.
Vaiśampāyana describes many powerful young princes acting competitively, each insisting on going ahead of the others, proclaiming “I first, I first,” displaying their martial spirit and desire for distinction.