Shloka 32
Rukmī’s Offer of Aid and Arjuna’s Refusal (रुक्मिप्रस्तावः—अर्जुनप्रत्याख्यानम्)
ततः सेनापतिं कृत्वा भीष्म परबलार्दनम् | वाचयित्वा द्विजश्रेष्ठान् गोभिनिष्किश्व भूरिश:
tataḥ senāpatiṁ kṛtvā bhīṣmaṁ parabala-ardanam | vācayitvā dvijaśreṣṭhān gobhir niṣkaiś ca bhūriśaḥ ||
それからドゥルヨーダナは、敵軍の力を砕くビーシュマを総大将に任じた。さらに最上のバラモンたちに吉祥の祝詞を唱えさせ、牛と金貨を惜しみなく布施した。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how rulers seek auspicious sanction and social approval through Brahminical rites and generous gifts, especially before major political or military actions. It also invites ethical reflection: ritual and charity can be used to reinforce confidence and legitimacy, yet they do not by themselves guarantee the righteousness of the cause.
Duryodhana formally installs Bhīṣma as the Kaurava commander and arranges auspicious recitations by eminent Brahmins, rewarding them with cows and gold. This marks the Kauravas’ organized preparation for the impending Kurukṣetra war.