भीमस्य जलान्वेषणं तथा वनविश्रान्तिः
Bhīma’s Search for Water and the Forest Halt
वैशग्पायन उवाच एवमुक्त: स तं॑ द्रोणो मोक्षयामास भारत । सत्कृत्य चैनं प्रीतात्मा राज्यार्ध प्रत्यपादयत्
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: evam uktaḥ sa taṃ Droṇo mokṣayāmāsa Bhārata | satkṛtya cainaṃ prītātmā rājyārdhaṃ pratyapādayat ||
Wika ni Vaiśampāyana: “O Bhārata, nang masabi iyon, pinalaya siya ni Droṇa. Pagkaraan, taglay ang masayang loob, pinarangalan niya siya nang nararapat at ibinalik sa kanya ang kalahati ng kaharian.”
वैशग्पायन उवाच
Power is not the final measure of righteousness: after asserting dominance, one may still act with restraint and honor. The verse highlights ethical kingship and personal conduct—showing respect (satkāra) and choosing reconciliation by restoring what is due, rather than pursuing humiliation or needless violence.
After Drupada speaks in a way that satisfies or persuades him, Droṇa releases Drupada from captivity. Droṇa then treats him respectfully and grants him half of the kingdom, turning a hostile encounter into a settlement marked by courtesy and a negotiated division of rule.