Shloka 23
Rājasūya-sambhāra: Prosperity under Rājadharma and the Initiation of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Sacrifice
उभौ बलभूतौ वीरावुभौ तीव्रपराक्रमौ । निर्जित्याजी महाराज वज्भराजमुपाद्रवत्
ubhau balabhūtau vīrāv ubhau tīvraparākramau | nirjityājī mahārāja vaṅgarājam upādravat ||
Waiśampāyana berkata—wahai Raja, keduanya adalah kesatria perkasa, keduanya berani dengan daya yang dahsyat. Setelah menang dalam pertempuran, Bhīmasena menyerbu raja Vaṅga.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya pattern of action in a conquest: strength and valor are praised, yet the narrative also invites reflection on how victory can fuel further aggression, raising questions about restraint and the moral cost of expansion.
Vaiśampāyana describes two formidable warriors; after winning a battle, Bhīma immediately advances to attack the king of Vaṅga, indicating the onward sweep of a military campaign.