Shloka 59
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 132 — Duryodhana’s Instructions to Purocana at Vāraṇāvata
Lākṣāgṛha Planning
228 8 2022 (आय 6 (स सत्यसंध॑ नैषादिं दृष्टवा प्रीतो5ब्रवीदिदम् । एवं कर्तव्यमिति वा एकलव्यमभाषत ।।
vaiśampāyana uvāca | sa satyasaṃdhaḥ naiṣādaṃ dṛṣṭvā prīto 'bravīd idam | evaṃ kartavyam iti vā ekalavyam abhāṣata || tataḥ śaraṃ tu naiṣādir aṅgulībhir vyakarṣat | na tathā ca sa śīghro 'bhūd yathā pūrvaṃ narādhipa ||
Melihat pemuda Niṣāda yang teguh pada sumpahnya, Droṇa merasa senang dan seakan memberi isyarat kepada Ekalavya, “Beginilah seharusnya dilakukan.” Sejak itu putra Niṣāda memasang dan menarik anak panah hanya dengan jari-jarinya. Namun, wahai raja, ia tidak lagi secepat dahulu dalam melepaskan panah.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of satya-saṃdhi (keeping one’s vow) and the consequences of a guru’s directive: even when guidance is given, it can be shaped by social and institutional priorities, and the disciple’s sacrifice may diminish worldly prowess while preserving fidelity to promise.
Droṇa, pleased with Ekalavya’s vow-bound compliance, indicates the correct technique for drawing the bow—using the junction/coordination of fingers. Ekalavya thereafter draws and sets arrows with his fingers, but his speed in shooting is reduced compared to earlier.