Shloka 46
वसुदेव–अर्जुन संवादः
Vasudeva–Arjuna Dialogue in the Aftermath of Dvārakā
ततो लोभ: समभवद् दस्यूनां निहतेश्वरा: । दृष्टवा स्त्रियो नीयमाना: पार्थेनेकेन भारत,भरतनन्दन! एकमात्र अर्जुनके संरक्षणमें ले जायी जाती हुई इतनी अनाथ स्त्रियोंको देखकर वहाँ रहने-वाले लुटेरोंके मनमें लोभ पैदा हुआ
tato lobhaḥ samabhavad dasyūnāṃ nihateśvarāḥ | dṛṣṭvā striyo nīyamānāḥ pārthenekena bhārata ||
Então a cobiça surgiu no coração dos salteadores, agora sem seus antigos chefes. Ao verem aquelas mulheres sendo conduzidas sob a escolta de um único Pārtha (Arjuna), ó Bhārata, foram tomados pela avidez.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
When rightful guardianship and social order weaken, greed and predation quickly surface. The verse highlights an ethical warning: vulnerability invites exploitation unless dharma-based protection is actively maintained.
After the fall of the Yādavas and the ensuing disorder, Arjuna is escorting many women. Seeing that they are being led under the protection of only one warrior, leaderless bandits become greedy and are tempted to seize them.