Shloka 17
Rājasūya-sambhāra: Prosperity under Rājadharma and the Initiation of Yudhiṣṭhira’s Sacrifice
दण्डं च दण्डधारं च विजित्य पृथिवीपतीन् | तैरेव सहितै: सर्वैर्गिरि्रजमुपाद्रवत्,मार्गमें दण्ड-दण्डधार तथा अन्य राजाओंको जीतकर उन सबके साथ वे गिरिव्रज नगरमें आये
daṇḍaṃ ca daṇḍadhāraṃ ca vijitya pṛthivīpatīn | taireva sahitaiḥ sarvair girivrajam upādravat ||
दण्डं च दण्डधारं च विजित्य पृथिवीपतीन् । तैरेव सहितैः सर्वैर्गिरिव्रजमुपाद्रवत् ॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the classical political idea of daṇḍa (coercive authority) as a tool of kingship: conquest is not only defeating opponents but also integrating them into a new political order, displaying overlordship and consolidating rule.
After conquering various kings, the leader proceeds to Girivraja, bringing the defeated rulers along with him—an image of a victorious campaign culminating in an advance on a major fortified city.