अर्जुनस्योत्तरदिग्विजयः
Arjuna’s Northern Conquests and Tribute Collection
ततो राज्ञ: कुलद्वारि प्रसुप्तमिव त॑ नृपम् । रात्रौ गतासुमुत्सृज्य निश्चक्रमुररिंदमा:
tato rājñaḥ kuladvāri prasuptam iva taṁ nṛpam | rātrau gatāsum utsṛjya niścakramur ariṁdamāḥ ||
ಅನಂತರ ರಾತ್ರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಶತ್ರುದಮನರಾದ ಆ ಮೂವರು ವೀರರು ರಾಜಭವನದ ದ್ವಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಜನ ಪ್ರಾಣಹೀನ ದೇಹವನ್ನು ನಿದ್ರಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವವನಂತೆ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ನಿರ್ಗಮಿಸಿದರು।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights the ethical tension in political action: even when removing a dangerous ruler is seen as necessary, the method—stealth, violence, and concealment—raises questions about dharma, responsibility, and the moral cost of statecraft.
After killing the king (Jarāsandha), the three enemy-subduing heroes leave his lifeless body at the palace gate at night, making it appear as though he is merely asleep, and then they depart.