Shloka 21
अश्वमेधीयस्य हयस्य दक्षिणापश्चिमगमनम् — The Sacrificial Horse’s Southern and Western Circuit
तां पूजयित्वा बीभत्सु: प्रसादमकरोत् प्रभु: । शकुनेश्चापि तनयं सान्त्वयन्निदमब्रवीत्,सामर्थ्यशाली अर्जुनने भी मामीका सम्मान करके उन्हें प्रसन्न किया और स्वयं उनपर कृपादृष्टि की। फिर शकुनिके पुत्रको भी सान्त्वना प्रदान करते हुए वे इस प्रकार बोले --
tāṁ pūjayitvā bībhatsuḥ prasādam akarot prabhuḥ | śakuneś cāpi tanayaṁ sāntvayann idam abravīt ||
Having honored her with due respect, the mighty Bībhatsu (Arjuna) showed gracious favor. Then, consoling even the son of Śakuni, he spoke these words—setting a tone of restraint and humane conduct amid the aftermath of conflict.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even after intense conflict, dharmic conduct includes honoring those deserving respect and extending consolation to the afflicted; strength is shown through restraint, grace (prasāda), and humane speech.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Arjuna respectfully honors a woman referred to as 'tām' and then comforts Śakuni’s son, preparing to speak further—indicating a shift from hostility to reconciliation and moral composure.