Shloka 17
शकुनेः पुत्रेण सह आश्वमेधाश्वविषयः संघर्षः — Arjuna’s restrained engagement with Śakuni’s son during the horse-escort
तथा सम्प्रेषयामास दूतान् नृपतिशासनात् । भीमसेनो महाबाहो राज्ञामक्लिष्टकर्मणाम्,महाबाहो! यह सब काम हो जानेपर भीमसेनने महाराज युधिष्ठिरकी आज्ञासे अनायास ही महान् पराक्रम कर दिखानेवाले विभिन्न राजाओंको निमन्त्रण देनेके लिये बहुत-से दूत भेजे
tathā sampreṣayāmāsa dūtān nṛpatiśāsanāt | bhīmaseno mahābāho rājñām akliṣṭakarmaṇām ||
ನಂತರ ರಾಜಾಜ್ಞೆಯಂತೆ ಮಹಾಬಾಹುವಾದ ಭೀಮಸೇನನು ಅಕ್ಲಿಷ್ಟಕರ್ಮಿಗಳಾದ ವಿವಿಧ ರಾಜರ ಬಳಿಗೆ ಅನೇಕ ದೂತರನ್ನು ಕಳುಹಿಸಿದನು।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rājadhrama in practice: effective governance depends on prompt obedience to rightful command and competent delegation. Bhīma’s swift dispatch of envoys models disciplined service to the king’s purpose, aligning personal prowess with orderly, dharmic administration.
After necessary arrangements are underway, Bhīmasena, following Yudhiṣṭhira’s instruction, sends out many messengers to different kings to invite/summon them—an administrative step connected with the broader preparations of the Aśvamedha context.