Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 2
Duryodhana’s Post-Duel Lament and Instructions (भग्नसक्थस्य विलापः)
यदा पूर्व गत: कृष्ण: शमार्थ कौरवान् प्रति । न चतं लब्धवान् कामं॑ ततो युद्धमभूदिदम्
yadā pūrva-gataḥ kṛṣṇaḥ śamārthaṃ kauravān prati | na ca taṃ labdhavān kāmaṃ tato yuddham abhūd idam ||
முன்னொரு காலத்தில் ஸ்ரீகிருஷ்ணன் சமாதானத்திற்காக கௌரவர்களிடம் சென்றபோது, அவர் விரும்பிய பயனைப் பெறவில்லை; அதனால் இப்போர் நிகழ்ந்தது।
जनमेजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical priority of seeking peace first; when sincere reconciliation fails due to refusal or obstinacy, war becomes the consequent reality, underscoring responsibility and causality in dharmic decision-making.
Janamejaya recalls Kṛṣṇa’s earlier attempt to negotiate peace with the Kauravas; because Kṛṣṇa’s intended aim was not achieved, the situation escalated and culminated in the present war.