Shloka 8
Ritual Acclamation at Hastināpura and Karṇa’s Vow Concerning Arjuna (राजकीय स्तुति-प्रसङ्गः कर्णप्रतिज्ञा च)
विविंशतिं चित्रसेनमादायान्ये विदुद्रुवु: । विन्दानुविन्दावपरे राजदारांश्व सर्वश:,अन्य कितने ही गन्धर्व धृतराष्ट्रके पुत्र चित्रसेन और विविंशतिको बंदी बनाकर ले चले। कुछ अन्य गन्धर्वोने विन्दर और अनुविन्दको तथा राजकुलकी समस्त महिलाओंको भी अपने अधिकारमें ले लिया
viviṁśatiṁ citrasenam ādāyānye vidudruvuḥ | vindānuvindāv apare rājadarāṁś ca sarvaśaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Some of the Gandharvas seized Viviṁśati and Citrasena and hurried away. Others took Vindā and Anuvindā, and likewise brought all the royal women under their control. The episode underscores how, amid conflict, the vulnerable—especially women and noncombatants—become targets of coercion, raising a sharp ethical contrast between mere victory and conduct aligned with dharma.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical fault-line in warfare and power struggles: domination that extends to the helpless—especially women and noncombatants—signals adharma. True strength is measured not only by victory but by restraint and protection of those who should not be harmed.
Gandharvas divide into groups: one group captures and carries off Viviṁśati and Citrasena (Kaurava princes), while another group seizes Vindā and Anuvindā and takes control of all the royal women, indicating a sweeping rout and the taking of captives.