Mahabharata 3.8.4 — Vana Parva, Adhyaya 8, Shloka 4
Adhyāya 8 — Vidura’s Return and the Kaurava Counsel (Āraṇyaka-parva)
तदयं कि नु पापात्मा तव पुत्र: सुमन्दधी: । पाण्डवान् नित्यसंक्रुद्धों राज्यहेतोर्जिधांसति
tad ayaṃ ki nu pāpātmā tava putraḥ sumandadhīḥ | pāṇḍavān nityasaṃkruddho rājyahator jighāṃsati ||
Maka mengapa anakmu itu—berjiwa berdosa dan berakal tumpul—terus-menerus menyala dalam amarah dan, demi takhta, hendak membunuh para Pāṇḍava?
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how craving for power (rājya) and uncontrolled anger can eclipse discernment (dhī) and lead to adharma—specifically, the intention to commit violence against rightful kin. It implicitly urges restraint, ethical reflection, and prioritizing dharma over ambition.
Vyāsa confronts the addressee (the father) about his son’s persistent rage and murderous intent toward the Pāṇḍavas, motivated by the desire for the kingdom. The line functions as a moral interrogation: despite knowing the consequences and the wrongness, the son remains bent on killing for sovereignty.
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