Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 17
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 33 — Kuru Cattle-Raid and Matsya Mobilization (भूमिंजय-प्रेरणा)
वैशम्पायन उवाच त॑ मत्तमिव मातजुूं वीक्षमाणं वनस्पतिम् । अब्रवीद् भ्रातरं वीरं धर्मराजो युधिषछ्िर:
vaiśampāyana uvāca | taṁ mattam iva mātaṅgaṁ vīkṣamāṇaṁ vanaspatim | abravīd bhrātaraṁ vīraṁ dharmarājo yudhiṣṭhiraḥ ||
ବୈଶମ୍ପାୟନ କହିଲେ—ହେ ରାଜନ, ଏପରି କହି ଭୀମସେନ ମଦୋନ୍ମତ୍ତ ଗଜରାଜ ପରି ସେହି ବୃକ୍ଷକୁ ଏକଦୃଷ୍ଟିରେ ଦେଖୁଥିଲେ। ତେବେ ଧର୍ମରାଜ ଯୁଧିଷ୍ଠିର ନିଜ ବୀର ଭ୍ରାତାଙ୍କୁ କହିଲେ—
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical pivot from impulsive force to dharmic restraint: Bhīma’s fierce, almost uncontrolled readiness is met by Yudhiṣṭhira’s role as Dharmarāja, who intervenes through counsel so that action aligns with prudence and righteousness.
After speaking, Bhīma keeps glaring at a particular tree with the intensity of a maddened elephant. Observing this charged posture, Yudhiṣṭhira turns to address his brave brother, preparing to guide or moderate the next step in the unfolding situation.