Shloka 112
अनुक्रमणिकाध्यायः (Anukramaṇikā Adhyāya) — Invocation, Narrator Frame, and Textual Scope
पाण्ड््जित्वा बहून् देशान् बुद्धया विक्रमणेन च । अरण्ये मृगयाशीलो नन््यवसन्मुनिभि: सह,महाराज पाण्डु अपनी बुद्धि और पराक्रमसे अनेक देशोंपर विजय पाकर (हिंसक) मृगोंकों मारनेके स्वभाववाले होनेके कारण ऋषि-मुनियोंके साथ वनमें ही निवास करते थे
pāṇḍitvā bahūn deśān buddhyā vikramaṇena ca | araṇye mṛgayāśīlo nānyavasan munibhiḥ saha ||
Having conquered many lands through intelligence and valor, King Pāṇḍu—by nature inclined to hunting—came to dwell in the forest together with sages. The verse subtly juxtaposes royal conquest and martial prowess with a life of wilderness pursuit, placing the king’s hunting disposition in the ethical proximity of ascetics and their forest discipline.
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a moral tension: a king celebrated for conquest and capability also carries a propensity for hunting, yet lives among sages in the forest. It invites reflection on how power and habit (especially violence toward animals) sit beside ideals of restraint and dharma associated with ascetics.
After subduing many regions through strategy and valor, King Pāṇḍu takes up residence in the forest. He lives in the company of sages, while also being characterized as one who is naturally inclined to hunting.