Shloka 3
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 181 — Svayaṃvara Aftermath: Arjuna–Karna Exchange and Bhīma–Śalya Contest
अधर्मिष्ठं वसिछेन कृतं चापि पुरा सखे । एतन्मे संशयं सर्व छेत्तुमहसि पृच्छत:,सखे! पूर्वकालमें महर्षि वसिष्ठने जो यह अधर्म-कार्य किया, उसका क्या कारण है? यह मेरा संशय है, जिसे मैं पूछता हूँ। आप मेरे इन सारे संशयोंका निवारण कीजिये
arjuna uvāca | adharmiṣṭhaṃ vasiṣṭhena kṛtaṃ cāpi purā sakhe | etan me saṃśayaṃ sarvaṃ chettum arhasi pṛcchataḥ, sakhe ||
Arjuna berkata: “Wahai sahabat, pada masa lampau Vasiṣṭha dikatakan melakukan perbuatan yang tampak sangat bertentangan dengan dharma. Inilah keraguanku. Karena aku bertanya kepadamu, lenyapkanlah keraguanku ini sepenuhnya.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even revered sages may appear to act against dharma in certain narratives; therefore one should inquire into context, motive, and higher principles before judging. The verse models respectful questioning to resolve ethical doubt.
Arjuna addresses a companion as “friend” and asks for clarification about an earlier episode in which Vasiṣṭha allegedly performed an adharmic deed. He requests a full explanation to remove his uncertainty.