Shloka 7
अध्याय २७०: प्रहस्त-वधः, धूम्राक्ष-हननं, कुम्भकर्ण-प्रबोधनम्
Chapter 270: Slaying of Prahasta; Defeat of Dhūmrākṣa; Awakening of Kumbhakarṇa
तेषां तु गोमायुरनल्पघोषो निवर्ततां वाममुपेत्य पार्श्रम् । प्रव्याहरत् तत् प्रविमृश्य राजा प्रोवाच भीम॑ च धनंजयं च,उस समय एक गीदड़ बड़े जोरसे रोता हुआ लौटते हुए पाण्डवोंके वामभागसे होकर निकल गया। इस अपशकुनपर विचार करके राजा युधिष्ठिरने भीमसेन और अर्जुनसे कहा --
teṣāṃ tu gomāyur-analpa-ghoṣo nivartatāṃ vāmam upetya pārśvam | pravyāharat tat pravimṛśya rājā provāca bhīmaṃ ca dhanañjayaṃ ca ||
Just then a jackal, crying out with a loud and ominous howl, crossed by the Pandavas’ left side as they were turning back. Taking this as an ill-omen and reflecting upon it, King Yudhiṣṭhira addressed Bhīma and Dhanañjaya (Arjuna).
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should not act impulsively; he should observe signs, reflect carefully, and then consult capable allies. The verse highlights Yudhiṣṭhira’s prudent, dharma-informed leadership—attention to context and thoughtful deliberation before speaking or acting.
As the Pāṇḍavas are turning back, a loudly howling jackal passes on their left, taken as an inauspicious omen. Yudhiṣṭhira considers its significance and then addresses Bhīma and Arjuna, setting up the next counsel or decision.