Shloka 41
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 13 — Kīcaka’s Proposition and Draupadī’s Dharmic Refusal
पुनरन्तःपुरगतः स्त्रीणां मध्ये वृकोदर: । योध्यते स विराटेन सिंहैर्मत्तैमहाबलै:,कभी-कभी विराटकी प्रेरणासे स्त्रियोंके अन्तःपुरमें जाकर भीमसेन उन्हें दिखानेके लिये महान् बलवान् और मतवाले सिंहोंके साथ लड़ा करते थे
punar antaḥpuragataḥ strīṇāṁ madhye vṛkodaraḥ | yodhyate sa virāṭena siṁhair mattaiḥ mahābalaiḥ ||
Вайшампаяна сказал: И снова Врикодара (Бхима), входя во внутренние покои женщин и стоя среди них, по побуждению царя Вираты сражался с могучими, разъярёнными львами, показывая им свою силу.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even immense power should be governed by dharma and discretion. Bhīma’s strength is not used for ego or harm but is carefully displayed in a controlled setting, supporting the higher duty of maintaining secrecy during the Pāṇḍavas’ incognito period.
During the Pāṇḍavas’ year of concealment in King Virāṭa’s court, Bhīma (as Vṛkodara) is brought into the palace women’s quarters and, at Virāṭa’s prompting, fights mighty, frenzied lions as a demonstration of valor and entertainment.