Shloka 24
कर्णस्य मन्त्रः — Duryodhana-प्रति नीति-विचारः
Karna’s Counsel on Strategy toward the Pāṇḍavas
अहं चाप्यनिविष्टो वै भीमसेनश्न् पाण्डव: । पार्थेन विजिता चैषा रत्नभूता सुता तव,मैं तथा पाण्डव भीमसेन भी अभीतक अविवाहित हैं और आपकी इस रत्नस्वरूपा कन्याको अर्जुनने जीता है
ahaṃ cāpy aniviṣṭo vai bhīmasenaś ca pāṇḍavaḥ | pārthena vijitā caiṣā ratnabhūtā sutā tava ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “I too remain unwed, and Bhīmasena, the Pāṇḍava, is likewise not yet married. And this jewel-like daughter of yours has been won by Pārtha (Arjuna).” In context, the statement affirms propriety and transparency in a marriage alliance: the Pāṇḍavas disclose their marital status and acknowledge Arjuna’s rightful victory, framing the proposed union within dharma and accepted custom.
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes dharmic transparency and propriety in forming marital alliances: one should speak truthfully about one’s status and acknowledge rightful outcomes (here, Arjuna’s winning of the bride), so that marriage proceeds according to accepted ethical and social norms.
Yudhiṣṭhira addresses the girl’s father, stating that he and Bhīma are still unmarried, and that the father’s precious daughter has been won by Arjuna (Pārtha), thereby presenting Arjuna as the legitimate suitor and clarifying the Pāṇḍavas’ situation for the proposed marriage arrangement.