Shloka 41
देवसत्रे मृत्युनिरोधः, पूर्वेन्द्राणां मानुषावतरणम्, द्रौपदी-वरकथनम्
Suspension of Death at the Devasatra; Former Indras’ Human Descent; Draupadī’s Boon Etiology
ब्राह्मणैस्तु प्रतिच्छन्नी रौरवाजिनवासिभि: । कृच्छेण जग्मतुस्ती तु भीमसेनधनंजयौ,रुरुमृगके चर्मको वस्त्रके रूपमें धारण करनेवाले ब्राह्मणोंसे घिरे होनेके कारण भीमसेन और अर्जुन बड़ी कठिनाईसे आगे बढ़ पाते थे
brāhmaṇais tu praticchannī rauravājinavāsibhiḥ | kṛcchreṇa jagmatus tī tu bhīmasenadhanañjayau ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Though concealed and surrounded by brāhmaṇas wearing garments of raurava (deerskin), Bhīmasena and Dhanañjaya could proceed only with great difficulty. The scene underscores how outward marks of sanctity can be used as a protective cover, creating a moral tension between genuine dharma and the strategic use of religious appearance amid danger.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the power and social sanctity associated with brāhmaṇas and ascetic markers (ajina), while also hinting at an ethical tension: sacred appearance can shield and conceal, so dharma requires discernment beyond externals.
Bhīma and Arjuna are moving forward under concealment, surrounded by brāhmaṇas wearing deerskins; despite this cover, their progress is difficult, suggesting a tense passage through danger or scrutiny.