Shloka 15
Indrajit’s Binding, Restoration by Viśalyā, and Counsel Restraining Rāvaṇa (Āraṇyaka Parva 273)
दर्शयामास भीमस्तु तदवस्थं जयद्रथम् । त॑ राजा प्राहसद् दृष्टवा मुच्यतामिति चाब्रवीत्,भीमने उसी अवस्थामें जयद्रथको महाराजके सामने उपस्थित किया। उसे देखकर राजा युधिष्ठिर जोर-जोरसे हँसने लगे और बोले--'अब इसे छोड़ दो”
darśayāmāsa bhīmas tu tad-avasthaṃ jayadratham | sa rājā prāhasad dṛṣṭvā mucyatām iti cābravīt ||
Bhīma brought Jayadratha before the king in that very condition (humbled and subdued). Seeing him, King Yudhiṣṭhira laughed aloud and said, “Release him now.” The moment underscores Yudhiṣṭhira’s restraint and adherence to dharma: even when an offender is in one’s power, vengeance is checked by ethical judgment and royal self-control.
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power over an enemy is a test of dharma: Yudhiṣṭhira models self-restraint and ethical kingship by choosing release over unchecked revenge, even after grave provocation.
After Jayadratha has been captured and reduced to a pitiable state, Bhīma presents him before King Yudhiṣṭhira. Yudhiṣṭhira laughs at the sight and commands that Jayadratha be set free.