Shloka 16
Rājarṣi-samāgamaḥ — Yudhiṣṭhirasya Dharma-parīkṣā ca
Meeting the Royal Sage and a Dharmic Audit
उक्तस्त्वेवं तया राजा यमाविदमथाब्रवीत् | गच्छाम सहितास्तूर्ण येन यातो वृकोदर:,द्रौपदीके ऐसा कहनेपर राजा युधिष्ठिरने नकुल-सहदेवसे इस प्रकार कहा--“अब हम लोग भी एक साथ शीघ्र ही उस मार्गपर चलें' जिससे भीमसेन गये हैं
uktas tv evaṁ tayā rājā yamāv idam athābravīt | gacchāma sahitās tūrṇaṁ yena yāto vṛkodaraḥ ||
Thus addressed by her, King Yudhiṣṭhira then spoke these words to the twin brothers: “Come—let us all go together at once, quickly, by the very path that Vṛkodara (Bhīma) has taken.” The moment underscores the king’s sense of responsibility and solidarity: he chooses coordinated action and shared risk rather than leaving companions behind.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic leadership through collective responsibility: Yudhiṣṭhira chooses to move together with the twins, emphasizing unity, mutual protection, and prompt action when a companion (Bhīma) has gone ahead.
After being addressed by Draupadī, Yudhiṣṭhira speaks to Nakula and Sahadeva, urging them to proceed quickly and together along the same route taken by Bhīma (Vṛkodara).