Shloka 10
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Bereavement and the Averted Assault on Bhīma (Āyasī Pratimā Episode)
न चापि शत्रवस्तेषामृद्धयन्ते राज्ञि पाण्डवा: | शृणु यत् कृतमस्माभिर श्वृत्थामपुरोगमै:,“महारानी! उनके शत्रु पाण्डव भी विशेष लाभमें नहीं हैं। अश्वत्थामाको आगे करके हमने जो कुछ किया है, उसे सुनिये
na cāpi śatravas teṣām ṛddhyante rājñi pāṇḍavāḥ | śṛṇu yat kṛtam asmābhir aśvatthāma-purogamaiḥ ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “O Queen, even the Pāṇḍavas—though enemies to us—are not truly prospering under this kingship. Listen to what was done by us, with Aśvatthāman placed at the forefront.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that victory and kingship do not automatically bring true prosperity or well-being; even the apparent victors (the Pāṇḍavas) are not ‘flourishing’ in a moral and existential sense after the devastation of war, and actions led by figures like Aśvatthāman must be examined in that ethical shadow.
Vaiśaṃpāyana addresses the queen and transitions into recounting a deed carried out by the Kaurava side, led by Aśvatthāman, indicating that the story will explain a consequential action in the war’s aftermath and its impact on the Pāṇḍavas and the royal household.