Shloka 12
Virāṭa’s Mobilization to Recover the Cattle (गोधनरक्षणार्थ विराटस्य सैन्यसमायोजनम्)
संविभागेन कृत्वा तु निबध्नीमो5स्य पौरुषम् । हत्वा चास्य चमूं कृत्स्नां वशमेवानयामहे
saṃvibhāgena kṛtvā tu nibadhnīmo 'sya pauruṣam | hatvā cāsya camūṃ kṛtsnāṃ vaśam evānayāmahe ||
Vaiśampāyana disse: “Depois de dividirmos nossas forças entre nós, nós o amarraremos e neutralizaremos seu vigor viril. E, tendo abatido todo o seu exército, nós o traremos inteiramente sob o nosso domínio.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a political-military mindset that seeks control by first disabling a ruler’s capacity to resist (pauruṣa) and then subjugating him through force. Ethically, it invites reflection on how ambition and conquest can conflict with dharma when domination becomes the primary aim.
A plan is being articulated to divide forces, restrain the Matsya king’s strength, destroy his army, and bring him under complete control—indicating an impending or ongoing hostile campaign against Matsya.