Shloka 30
द्रौपदी-भीमसेनसंवादः
Draupadī–Bhīmasena Dialogue on Suffering, Kāla, and Daiva
मत्स्यमर्थपतिं पार्थ विराट समुपस्थितम् । पश्यामि तूर्यमध्यस्थं दिशो नश्यन्ति मे तदा
vaishampāyana uvāca | matsyam arthapatiṁ pārtha virāṭa samupasthitam | paśyāmi tūryamadhyasthaṁ diśo naśyanti me tadā ||
वैशम्पायन बोले—जब मैं मत्स्यदेश के धनपति राजा विराट को पार्थ (अर्जुन) द्वारा सेवा में उपस्थित देखती हूँ—और पार्थ को वाद्यों के बीच बैठा हुआ देखती हूँ—तभी मेरी सुध-बुध डगमगा जाती है; मुझे दिशाएँ नहीं सूझतीं।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the tension between inner identity and outward role: a great warrior (Arjuna) accepts humble courtly service under disguise, showing disciplined self-control and commitment to dharma even when circumstances invert status and power.
During the Pāṇḍavas’ incognito year, Arjuna—concealed in a non-martial role—appears in Virāṭa’s court amid music and performance, attending the king. The speaker describes being overwhelmed at the sight, as if losing all sense of direction.