Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 44
शल्यस्य सेनापत्याभ्युपगमः | Śalya’s Acceptance of Command
ये मदर्थे हता: शूरास्तेषां कृतमनुस्मरन् । ऋणं तत् प्रतियुञ्जानो न राज्ये मम आदथधे
ye madarthe hatāḥ śūrās teṣāṃ kṛtam anusmaran | ṛṇaṃ tat pratiyuñjāno na rājye mama ādadhē ||
ମୋ ପାଇଁ ଯେ ଶୂରବୀରମାନେ ହତ ହୋଇଛନ୍ତି, ସେମାନଙ୍କ ଉପକାରକୁ ପୁନଃପୁନଃ ସ୍ମରଣ କରି ଏବଂ ସେ ଋଣ ଶୋଧିବା ଚେଷ୍ଟାରେ ଲାଗି ମୁଁ ରାଜ୍ୟକାର୍ଯ୍ୟରେ ମନ ଲଗାଇପାରୁନି।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames moral accountability after violence: benefits gained through others’ sacrifice create an enduring ṛṇa (debt). Ethical kingship is not mere enjoyment of power but a burden of repayment, remembrance, and responsibility toward those who suffered on one’s behalf.
Sañjaya reports a speaker’s inner conflict: the memory of warriors who died for his cause prevents him from taking pleasure or settling his mind in royal rule. He feels compelled to repay their obligation rather than simply occupy the throne.
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