Shloka 40
स्त्री-विलापः — गान्धार्याः रणभूमिदर्शनं शापवचनं च
Battlefield Lament and Gāndhārī’s Curse
शक्तेन बहुभृत्येन विपुले तिष्ठता बले । उभयत्र समर्थन श्रुतवाक्येन चैव ह,महाबाहु मधुसूदन! तुम शक्तिशाली थे। तुम्हारे पास बहुत-से सेवक और सैनिक थे। तुम महान् बलमें प्रतिष्ठित थे। दोनों पक्षोंसे अपनी बात मनवा लेनेकी सामर्थ्य तुममें मौजूद थी। तुमने वेद-शास्त्रों और महात्माओंकी बातें सुनी और जानी थीं। यह सब होते हुए भी तुमने स्वेच्छासे कुरुकुलके नाशकी उपेक्षा की--जानबूझकर इस वंशका विनाश होने दिया। यह तुम्हारा महान् दोष है, अतः तुम इसका फल प्राप्त करो
śaktena bahubhṛtyena vipule tiṣṭhatā bale | ubhayatra samarthena śrutavākyena caiva ha |
Vaiśampāyana said: “Though you were powerful, supported by many attendants and retainers, and firmly established in vast strength; though you were capable of making either side accept your counsel, and were one who had heard and understood the teachings of the Vedas, the śāstras, and the words of the wise—still, of your own will, you neglected to prevent the ruin of the Kuru line, knowingly allowing this dynasty to be destroyed. This is a grave fault in you; therefore, receive its consequence.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power and knowledge increase moral accountability: one who has influence over both sides and understands dharma is blamed more severely for failing to prevent foreseeable, catastrophic harm.
In the aftermath of the war (Strī Parva’s lamentation context), a reproach is voiced toward Kṛṣṇa (addressed as Madhusūdana), accusing him that despite his strength, followers, and authority to persuade both parties, he allowed the Kuru lineage to be destroyed and must bear the resulting moral consequence.