Shloka 10
Rājasūya-sambhāra: Prosperity under Rājadharma and the Initiation of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Sacrifice
सोमधथेयांश्व निर्जित्य प्रययावुत्तरामुख: । वत्सभूमिं च कौन्तेयो विजिग्ये बलवान् बलातू
somadhateyāṁś ca nirjitya prayayāv uttarāmukhaḥ | vatsabhūmiṁ ca kaunteyo vijigye balavān balāt ||
वैशम्पायन उवाच— सोमधथेयान् निर्जित्य कौन्तेयो बलवान् उत्तरामुखः प्रययौ। स बलात् वत्सभूमिं विजिग्ये महाबलः परवीरहा।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a pragmatic strand of kṣatriya-statecraft: sovereignty is often established through demonstrable strength. Ethically, it invites reflection on the tension between dharma as protection/order and the use of coercive power to secure political aims.
Vaiśampāyana narrates Bhīma’s campaign of conquest: after defeating the Somadhāteyas, he turns north and forcibly subdues the region of Vatsa, extending the Pandavas’ influence and preparing the ground for imperial recognition and tribute.