Shloka 9
भीमस्य जलान्वेषणं तथा वनविश्रान्तिः
Bhīma’s Search for Water and the Forest Halt
तस्मिन् काले तु पाउ्चाल: श्रुत्वा दृष्टयवा महद् बलम् । भ्रातृभि: सहितो राजंस्त्वरया निर्ययौ गृहात्,जनमेजय! उस समय पंचालराज ट्रुपद कौरवोंका आक्रमण सुनकर और उनकी विशाल सेनाको अपनी आँखों देखकर बड़ी उतावलीके साथ भाइयोंसहित राजभवनसे बाहर निकले
tasmin kāle tu pāñcālaḥ śrutvā dṛṣṭvā ca mahad balam | bhrātṛbhiḥ sahito rājan tvarayā niryayau gṛhāt janamejaya ||
Vaiśampāyana said: At that time the king of the Pāñcālas—having heard of the attack and also having seen with his own eyes the great army—hurriedly came out of the royal residence together with his brothers, O King Janamejaya. The verse underscores a ruler’s immediate responsibility to respond to imminent danger, balancing vigilance with the duty to protect his realm.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rājadharma: when a threat becomes imminent, a ruler must not remain passive. He should verify reports (hearing and seeing), act promptly, and lead from the front with trusted kin, prioritizing protection and preparedness.
The Pāñcāla king (Drupada) learns of an attack and then witnesses the large opposing force. Alarmed by the scale of the army, he quickly exits the palace with his brothers to respond to the developing crisis.