Gandhārī’s Lament for Bhūriśravas and Śakuni
Book 11, Chapter 24
कथं च नायं तत्रापि पुत्रान्मे भ्रातृभि: सह । विरोधयेदजुप्रज्ञाननजुर्मधुसूदन,मधुसूदन! मेरे पुत्र सरल बुद्धिके हैं। मुझे भय है कि उन पुण्यलोकोंमें पहुँचकर यह शकुनि फिर किसी प्रकार उन सब भाइयोंमें परस्पर विरोध न उत्पन्न कर दे
kathaṃ ca nāyaṃ tatrāpi putrān me bhrātṛbhiḥ saha | virodhayed ajñaprajñān añjur madhusūdana ||
Disse Vaiśaṃpāyana: “E como não poderia acontecer que, mesmo lá—nesses reinos meritórios—este homem pusesse meus filhos em discórdia com seus irmãos? Meus filhos são de mente simples; temo que Śakuni, tendo alcançado esses mundos santos, volte a tramar para acender a hostilidade mútua entre todos os irmãos.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights the enduring danger of deceitful counsel: even in a context associated with merit and sanctity, a habitual instigator can rekindle hostility. Ethically, it warns that peace among kin requires vigilance, wise discernment, and protection of the simple-hearted from manipulation.
The speaker expresses anxiety that Śakuni—known for fomenting rivalry—might again create discord among the brothers, even after they have reached meritorious realms. The concern rests on the sons’ simplicity and susceptibility to being provoked into conflict.