Shloka 12
याज्ञसेनी-प्रश्नः
Draupadī’s Question in the Assembly
सर्वज्ञ: सर्वभावज्ञ: सर्वशत्रुभयंकर: । इति सम भाषते काव्यो जम्भत्यागे महासुरान्,सबके मनोभावोंको जाननेवाले तथा सब शत्रुओंके लिये भयंकर सर्वज्ञ शुक्राचार्यने जम्भ दैत्यको त्याग करनेके समय समस्त बड़े-बड़े असुरोंसे यह कथा सुनायी थी
sarvajñaḥ sarvabhāvajñaḥ sarvaśatrubhayāṅkaraḥ | iti saṃ bhāṣate kāvyo jambhatyāge mahāsurān |
Mahatahu, memahami watak batin semua makhluk, dan menggentarkan setiap musuh—demikianlah Kāvya (Śukrācārya) berbicara kepada para Asura agung ketika ia hendak meninggalkan Jambha.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the power and responsibility of true discernment: a wise counselor not only knows facts (sarvajña) but also reads intentions and emotions (sarvabhāvajña). Such insight, coupled with authority, can protect one’s side and intimidate adversaries—implying that ethical leadership requires understanding minds, not merely events.
Vidura introduces a remembered episode: Śukrācārya (called Kāvya), renowned for omniscience and psychological insight, addresses the leading Asuras at the critical moment when he is about to abandon Jambha. The line functions as a narrative setup for Śukra’s counsel and the circumstances surrounding his departure.