Shloka 4
Jarāsandha–Vāsudeva Saṃvāda: Kṣātra-Dharma, Pride, and the Ethics of Coercion
Sabhā Parva, Adhyāya 20
त्रिभिरासादितो5स्माभिविंजने स नराधिप: | न संदेहो यथा युद्धमेकेनाप्युपपास्यति
tribhir āsādito ’smābhir viṁjane sa narādhipaḥ | na saṁdeho yathā yuddham ekenāpy upapāsyati ||
風神ヴāユは言った。「われら三人が人目のない場所であの王に近づけば、疑いなく、われらのうちの一人と一騎討ちを受け入れるであろう。名誉が拒絶を許さぬからだ。しかも、剛勇ビーマセーナと戦えるという誘惑に駆られ、自らの腕力への自信に酔いしれているゆえ、ジャラーサンダは必ずやビーマとの戦いに身を投じる。」
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights a kṣatriya’s code of honor: a renowned king is expected to accept a fair challenge to single combat, and personal pride and reputation can strongly shape ethical choices in war.
Vāyu predicts that when the three approach Jarāsandha privately, he will agree to a one-on-one duel; Vāyu further anticipates that Jarāsandha will choose to fight Bhīma, driven by honor, desire for a worthy opponent, and confidence in his own strength.