Shloka 6
धृतराष्ट्रपुत्रनामावलिः (Roster of Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Children) / Names of the Kauravas in Order
अवतार्य च शूलाग्रात् तच्छूलं निश्चकर्ष ह | अशबनुवंश्न निष्क्रष्टं शूलं मूले स चिच्छिदे,नीचे उतारकर उन्होंने शूलके अग्रभागके सहारे उनके शरीरके भीतरसे शूलको निकालनेके लिये खींचा। खींचकर निकालनेमें असफल होनेपर उन्होंने उस शूलको मूलभागमें काट दिया
avatārya ca śūlāgrāt tacchūlaṁ niścakarṣa ha | aśakyan niṣkarṣṭuṁ śūlaṁ mūle sa cicchide ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Lowering him down by the tip of the stake, he tried to draw out that spike from the body. When it could not be pulled out, he cut the stake off at its base, choosing a practical remedy over a futile struggle.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a moment of bodily danger, the verse highlights practical discernment: when a direct solution is impossible, one should adopt a workable alternative that reduces harm and enables further help.
Someone attempts to remove a stake embedded in the body by pulling it out from the tip; failing to extract it, he cuts the stake at its base, likely to free the person and prevent further tearing or obstruction.