Shloka 16
Book 10, Adhyāya 12: Aśvatthāmā’s Request for the Cakra and the Brahmaśiras Context
स राजन् प्रीयमाणेन मयाप्युक्त: कृताज्जलिः । याचमान: प्रयत्नेन मत्तो<5स्त्रं भरतर्षभ
sa rājan prīyamāṇena mayāpy uktaḥ kṛtāñjaliḥ | yācamānaḥ prayatnena matto 'straṃ bharatarṣabha ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana dit : «Ô roi, cet homme, les paumes jointes en signe de révérence, me suppliait avec ardeur de lui donner une arme. Touché par son maintien et par son intention, je lui répondis moi aussi d’un ton favorable».
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of granting power: a weapon (astra) is not merely an object but a responsibility. The petitioner’s humility and earnestness move the giver, yet the narrative context of war implies that such gifts can shape outcomes and must be considered carefully.
Vaiśaṃpāyana narrates to the king that a person approached him with folded hands and persistent effort, requesting an astra. Seeing the supplicant’s respectful posture and determination, Vaiśaṃpāyana responds favorably.