Shloka 38
Drupada’s Alarm and Inquiry Regarding Śikhaṇḍinī (द्रुपदस्य भय-विमर्शः)
स्वलंकृतमिदं वेश्म स्थूणस्यामितविक्रमा: । नोपसर्पति मां चैव कस्मादद्य स मन्दधी:
svalaṅkṛtam idaṁ veśma sthūṇasyāmitavikramāḥ | nopasarpati māṁ caiva kasmād adya sa mandadhīḥ ||
Bhishma disse: “Este palácio está bem adornado, e os heróis de poder imenso permanecem dentro dele como pilares. Ainda assim, por que esse homem de mente obtusa não se aproxima de mim também hoje?”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical discernment in leadership: outward grandeur and the presence of powerful men do not guarantee wise conduct. Bhishma’s remark censures foolish avoidance of counsel, implying that ignoring elders and moral advisors accelerates adharma and conflict.
In the tense pre-war setting of the Udyoga Parva, Bhishma observes the splendid royal hall filled with mighty warriors, yet notes that a certain person—whom he calls “dull-witted”—is not approaching him. The line conveys Bhishma’s frustration that the one who should seek guidance or face him directly is avoiding him at a critical moment.