Shloka 10
शकुनेः पुत्रेण सह आश्वमेधाश्वविषयः संघर्षः — Arjuna’s restrained engagement with Śakuni’s son during the horse-escort
इत्युक्तः स तु तच्चक्रे भीमो नृपतिशासनम् । हृष्ट: श्रुव्वा गुडाकेशमायान्तं पुरुषर्षभम्,यह सुनकर भीमसेनने राजाकी आज्ञाका तुरंत पालन किया। वे पुरुषप्रवर अर्जुनका आगमन सुनकर बहुत प्रसन्न थे
ity uktaḥ sa tu tac cakre bhīmo nṛpatiśāsanam | hṛṣṭaḥ śrutvā guḍākeśam āyāntaṁ puruṣarṣabham ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Thus addressed, Bhīma at once carried out the king’s command. Hearing that Guḍākeśa—Arjuna, the foremost of men—was approaching, he was filled with joy.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as prompt compliance with a legitimate royal command, coupled with affectionate respect for a virtuous kinsman—duty performed without delay and relationships honored with sincere joy.
After being instructed, Bhīma immediately executes the king’s order. At the same time, he becomes delighted upon hearing that Arjuna (called Guḍākeśa), praised as the foremost of men, is on his way.