Shloka 20
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 33 — Kuru Cattle-Raid and Matsya Mobilization (भूमिंजय-प्रेरणा)
चापं वा यदि वा शक्ति निस्त्रिंशं वा परश्वधम् । यदेव मानुषं भीम भवेदन्यैरलक्षितम्
cāpaṃ vā yadi vā śaktiṃ nistriṃśaṃ vā paraśvadham | yadeva mānuṣaṃ bhīma bhaved anyair alakṣitam ||
चापं वा यदि वा शक्तिं निस्त्रिंशं वा परश्वधम्। यदेव मानुषं भीम भवेद् अन्यैरलक्षितम्॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a situation requiring concealment, strength must be governed by discretion: one should choose means that do not attract attention, practicing restraint and strategic prudence to protect a larger dharmic aim.
During the Virāṭa episode, guidance is given to Bhīma about weapons: if he must keep arms, they should look ordinary and remain undetected by others, supporting the Pandavas’ need to stay unrecognized.