Shloka 2
Kubera’s Arrival and the Disclosure of Agastya’s Curse
Vaiśaṃpāyana–Janamejaya Narrative
गतेषु तेषु रक्ष:सु भीमसेनात्मजे5पि च । रहितान् भीमसेनेन कदाचित् तान् यदृच्छया
gateṣu teṣu rakṣaḥsu bhīmasenātmaje 'pi ca | rahitān bhīmasenena kadācit tān yadṛcchayā
Vaiśampāyana berkata: Setelah para rākṣasa itu beredar—dan putera Bhīmasena juga telah pergi—pada suatu ketika, secara kebetulan semata-mata, mereka didapati tanpa lindungan Bhīmasena.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and practical truth that protection and strength are often person-dependent; when a protector is absent, vulnerability increases, and unforeseen events (yadṛcchayā) can expose weaknesses. It implicitly urges vigilance and self-reliance rather than complacency.
The narration marks a transition: the rākṣasas have left, and Bhīma’s son has also gone. At some point thereafter, the group is found without Bhīma’s presence—setting up the next development where their safety is tested in his absence.