Shloka 67
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 22 — Draupadī’s Abduction Attempt and Bhīma’s Suppression of the Kīcakas
स्पर्थया च बलोन्मत्ता तावुभौ सूतपाण्डवौ । निशीथे पर्यकर्षेतां बलिनौ निर्जने स्थले
spardhayā ca balonmattā tāv ubhau sūtapāṇḍavau | niśīthe paryakarṣetāṃ balinau nirjane sthale ||
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは語った。競い合いと力への驕りに煽られ、二人の勇士――スータの子とパーンドゥの子――は、真夜中の人けなき場所で組み合った。ともに剛力、互いを引きずり、突き飛ばし続け、その争いは節制よりも勝負心に燃えていた。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how rivalry (spardhā) and pride in strength can intoxicate even great warriors, pushing them toward prolonged, purposeless struggle. Ethically, it points to the need for restraint and discernment so that power serves dharma rather than ego-driven competition.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that the Sūta’s son (Karṇa) and the Pāṇḍava (Arjuna) are locked in a forceful contest at midnight in a deserted place, repeatedly pulling and shoving each other as their competitive spirit escalates.