Shloka 3
शकुनेः पुत्रेण सह आश्वमेधाश्वविषयः संघर्षः — Arjuna’s restrained engagement with Śakuni’s son during the horse-escort
विजयस्य च तत् कर्म गान्धारविषये तदा । श्र॒त्वा चान्येषु देशेषु स सुप्रीतो5भवत् तदा,अर्जुनने गान्धारराज्यमें तथा अन्यान्य देशोंमें जो अद्भुत पराक्रम किया था, वह सब सुनकर युधिष्ठिरके हर्षकी सीमा न रही
vijayasya ca tat karma gāndhāraviṣaye tadā | śrutvā cānyeṣu deśeṣu sa suprīto 'bhavat tadā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Hearing then of those deeds of victory—how Arjuna had displayed wondrous prowess in the land of Gāndhāra and likewise in other regions—Yudhiṣṭhira became exceedingly pleased, his joy knowing no bounds. The report of righteous success and disciplined valor brought solace to the king’s mind after the burdens of war.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal that power and conquest, when aligned with rightful purpose (dharma and royal duty), can bring legitimate reassurance and joy to a ruler responsible for restoring order.
Vaiśampāyana reports that Yudhiṣṭhira hears accounts of Arjuna’s victorious exploits in Gāndhāra and other lands during the Ashvamedha-related campaign, and he becomes extremely pleased.