Shloka 22
Indrajit’s Binding, Restoration by Viśalyā, and Counsel Restraining Rāvaṇa (Āraṇyaka Parva 273)
गतसत्त्वमिव ज्ञात्वा कर्तारमशुभस्य तम्,साशथ्चः सरथपादात: स्वस्ति गच्छ जयद्रथ । वह अशुभ कर्म करनेवाला जयद्रथ मृतप्राय-सा हो गया है, यह देख और समझकर भरतश्रेष्ठ राजा युधिष्ठिरने उसपर कृपा की और कहा--तेरी बुद्धि धर्ममें उत्तरोत्तर बढ़ती रहे, तू कभी अधर्ममें मन न लगाना। जयद्रथ! अपने रथ, घोड़े और पैदल सबको साथ लिये कुशलपूर्वक चला जा'
Bhīmasena uvāca: gatasattvam iva jñātvā kartāram aśubhasya tam, sāśvathaḥ sarathapādātaḥ svasti gaccha Jayadratha.
Bhīma said: “Knowing him to be as one whose strength and spirit have departed—him, the doer of that evil deed—go in safety, O Jayadratha, together with your horses, chariot, and foot-soldiers.” The ethical force of the moment is that, even after grievous wrongdoing, the victorious side restrains vengeance and grants safe passage, upholding royal dharma and compassion over wrath.
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when an enemy has committed a grave wrong, dharma may require restraint and mercy once he is defeated and helpless; victory should not become an excuse for cruelty.
Jayadratha, having been overpowered and left nearly strengthless after his wrongdoing, is granted safe departure with his chariot, horses, and infantry; the victors choose to spare him rather than kill him.