Shloka 2736
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Reproof and Vow-Logic: On Dice-Deception, Exile Terms, and the Governance of Anger
Adhyāya 35
विश्रुता कथमज्ञाता कृष्णा पार्थ चरिष्यति । पार्थ! यह वीरजननी पवित्रकीर्ति राजकुमारी द्रौपदी सारे संसारमें विख्यात है। भला, यह अज्ञातवासके नियम कैसे निभा सकेगी
viśrutā katham ajñātā kṛṣṇā pārtha cariṣyati | pārtha! iyaṁ vīrajananī pavitrakīrti rājakuṁmārī draupadī sāre saṁsāra-meṁ vikhyāta hai | bhalā, iyaṁ ajñātavāsa-ke niyama kaise nibhā sakegī
Bhīmasena berkata: “Wahai Pārtha! Bagaimana mungkin Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī) yang termasyhur di seluruh dunia hidup sebagai orang tak dikenal? Putri raja Draupadī ini—ibu para kesatria, berkemasyhuran suci tanpa cela—terkenal di segenap jagat. Maka bagaimana ia dapat menaati aturan keras hidup menyamar?”
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights the ethical tension between strict observance of a vow (ajñātavāsa) and the practical realities of protecting dignity and safety. Bhīma argues that social visibility and reputation can make concealment difficult, implying that dharma must be upheld with vigilance and prudent planning, not merely by formal intent.
During the exile context, Bhīma addresses Arjuna (Pārtha) with concern about Draupadī. He points out that she is too famous to remain unrecognized and questions how she can successfully follow the rules of living incognito, foreshadowing the risks the group faces if their identity is exposed.