Shloka 30
दमयन्त्याः व्याकुलता — स्वयंवरसंनिपातः — देवदूतयाचनम्
Damayantī’s Distress, Proclamation of the Svayaṃvara, and the Gods’ Request
दुःशासनं सौबलेयं यश्चान्य: प्रतियोत्स्यते । ततस्त्वं हास्तिनपुरे भ्रातृभि: सहितो वसन्
duḥśāsanaṃ saubaleyaṃ yaścānyaḥ pratiyotsyate | tatastvaṃ hāstinapure bhrātṛbhiḥ sahito vasan
Sañjaya said: “(Let) Duḥśāsana, Śakuni the son of Subala, and any other who wishes to oppose (them) come forward to fight. As for you—remain in Hāstinapura, living there together with your brothers.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames a pragmatic ethic of conflict: those intent on opposition should meet the consequences of battle, while another party is advised to remain stationed with kin in the capital—highlighting responsibility, alliance, and strategic restraint rather than impulsive escalation.
Sañjaya reports a directive or counsel: Duḥśāsana, Śakuni, and any other challenger are named as potential combatants, while the addressed person is told to stay in Hāstinapura together with his brothers, implying a division between those who will confront the enemy and those who will hold position at the Kuru seat of power.