Shloka 1
Kuntī’s Benediction to Draupadī and the Alliance Gifts (कुन्त्याः स्नुषाशीर्-वचनम् तथा दान-प्रतिग्रहः)
ऑपन--माज बक। अकाल एकनवर्त्याधिकशततमो< ध्याय: 3 म्नका गुप्तरूपसे वहॉका सब हाल देखकर राजा पास आना तथा द्रौपदीके विषयमें द्रुपदका प्रश्न वैशम्पायन उवाच धृष्टद्युम्नस्तु पाउ्चाल्य: पृष्ठत: कुरुनन्दनौ । अन्वगच्छत् तदा यान्तौ भार्गवस्य निवेशने,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--जनमेजय! जब कुरु-नन्दन भीमसेन और अर्जुन कुम्हारके घर जा रहे थे, उसी समय पांचालराजकुमार धृष्टद्युम्न गुप्तरूपसे उनके पीछे लग गये
Vaiśampāyana uvāca | Dhṛṣṭadyumnas tu pāñcālyaḥ pṛṣṭhataḥ kurunandanau | anvagacchat tadā yāntau bhārgavasya niveśane ||
Vaiśampāyana said: O Janamejaya, as the Kuru princes—Bhīmasena and Arjuna—were proceeding toward the dwelling of the Bhārgava (the Brahmin/descendant of Bhṛgu, i.e., the potter’s house where they were staying in disguise), the Pāñcāla prince Dhṛṣṭadyumna, having assumed a concealed identity, followed behind them, observing their movements. The episode underscores vigilance and strategic caution in a time of uncertainty, where concealment and careful pursuit serve the larger aims of rightful alliance and protection.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights prudent vigilance and strategic restraint: in uncertain political circumstances, concealment and careful observation can serve dharma by safeguarding rightful alliances and preventing harm without rash confrontation.
As Bhīma and Arjuna head toward the Bhārgava’s dwelling (the potter’s house where they are staying incognito), Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the Pāñcāla prince, secretly follows them from behind to learn their identity and intentions.