Shloka 17
क्रीडन्तो वीटया तत्र वीरा: पर्यचरन् मुदा । पपात कूपे सा वीटा तेषां वै क्रीडतां तदा,इस प्रकार द्रोणने वहाँ अपने आपको छिपाये रखकर कुछ कालतक निवास किया। तदनन्तर एक दिन कौरव-पाण्डव सभी वीर कुमार हस्तिनापुरसे बाहर निकलकर बड़ी प्रसन्नताके साथ मिलकर वहाँ गुल्ली-डंडा खेलने लगे। उस समय खेलमें लगे हुए उन कुमारोंकी वह बीटा कुएँमें गिर पड़ी
Vaiśaṃpāyana uvāca |
krīḍanto vīṭayā tatra vīrāḥ paryacaran mudā |
papāta kūpe sā vīṭā teṣāṃ vai krīdatāṃ tadā ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: There, the young heroes moved about joyfully, playing with a vīṭā (a play-stick/club used in the game). While they were absorbed in their sport, that vīṭā fell into a well. The incident, seemingly trivial, becomes the narrative hinge by which hidden circumstances are revealed and future destinies are set in motion—showing how heedless play can unexpectedly lead to grave consequences.
वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Small, seemingly harmless actions can become turning points with large consequences. The verse highlights how ordinary play, when combined with circumstance, can precipitate events that reveal hidden realities and shape destiny—encouraging attentiveness and responsibility even in leisure.
The young princes are playing a stick-game with a vīṭā. During the game, the vīṭā accidentally falls into a well. This mishap sets up the next narrative developments, as retrieving it leads to further encounters and revelations.