Shloka 10
Indrajit’s Binding, Restoration by Viśalyā, and Counsel Restraining Rāvaṇa (Āraṇyaka Parva 273)
विकत्थयित्वा राजानं ततः प्राह वृकोदर: । जीवितु चेच्छसे मूढ हेतुं मे गदत: शृणु,तदनन्तर कटुवचनोंसे सिन्धुराजका तिरस्कार करते हुए भीमने उससे कहा--“अरे मूढ़! यदि तू जीवित रहना चाहता है तो जीवनरक्षाका हेतुभूत मेरा यह वचन सुन --
vikatthayitvā rājānaṃ tataḥ prāha vṛkodaraḥ | jīvituṃ cecchase mūḍha hetuṃ me gadataḥ śṛṇu ||
After deriding the king, Vṛkodara (Bhīma) spoke: “Fool! If you wish to stay alive, then listen to the reasoned words I am about to speak.” In context, Bhīma’s harsh address functions as a warning meant to restrain arrogance and compel the opponent to heed counsel that could avert needless violence.
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Arrogance invites danger; even in hostile encounters, a forceful warning can serve as a last chance for the opponent to abandon folly and avoid unnecessary destruction—linking power with responsibility and discernment.
Bhīma, after insulting/deriding a king, issues a blunt ultimatum: if the king wants to live, he must listen to Bhīma’s forthcoming words—setting up a moment of coercive counsel before further action.