Shloka 17
शकुनेः पुत्रेण सह आश्वमेधाश्वविषयः संघर्षः — Arjuna’s restrained engagement with Śakuni’s son during the horse-escort
तथा सम्प्रेषयामास दूतान् नृपतिशासनात् । भीमसेनो महाबाहो राज्ञामक्लिष्टकर्मणाम्
tathā sampreṣayāmāsa dūtān nṛpatiśāsanāt | bhīmaseno mahābāho rājñām akliṣṭakarmaṇām ||
Então, agindo sob a ordem do rei, Bhīmasena, de braços poderosos, despachou mensageiros. Com uma eficiência sem cansaço—digna de governantes conhecidos por ação infatigável—enviou muitos emissários para convocar os diversos reis, cumprindo a determinação de Yudhiṣṭhira nos preparativos do rito.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rājadhrama in practice: effective governance depends on prompt obedience to rightful command and competent delegation. Bhīma’s swift dispatch of envoys models disciplined service to the king’s purpose, aligning personal prowess with orderly, dharmic administration.
After necessary arrangements are underway, Bhīmasena, following Yudhiṣṭhira’s instruction, sends out many messengers to different kings to invite/summon them—an administrative step connected with the broader preparations of the Aśvamedha context.