Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 39
द्रौपदी-भीमसेनसंवादः
Draupadī–Bhīmasena Dialogue on Suffering, Kāla, and Daiva
सुकुमारश्न शूरश्न राजानं चाप्यनुव्रतः । ज्येष्ठापचायिनं वीरं स्वयं पाउ्चालि भोजये:
sukumāraś ca śūraś ca rājānaṃ cāpy anuvrataḥ | jyeṣṭhāpacāyinaṃ vīraṃ svayaṃ pāñcāli bhojayeḥ ||
वैशंपायन म्हणाले—“तो सुकुमार आहे, तरी शूर आहे; राजा युधिष्ठिराचा अनुवर्ती व आज्ञापालक आहे; ज्येष्ठ भावाचा मान राखणारा वीर आहे. हे पाञ्चाली! तू स्वतः त्याला आपल्या हातांनी भोजन घाल।”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic character through loyal service: true valor is paired with gentleness, devotion to rightful authority, and reverence toward elders; care for such a person is presented as a moral responsibility.
In the surrounding episode, Kuntī’s maternal concern is conveyed through Vaiśaṃpāyana’s narration: she asks Draupadī (Pāñcālī) to personally look after Sahadeva—described as tender yet brave, devoted to Yudhiṣṭhira, and respectful to his eldest brother—going so far as to feed him herself.