Shloka 43
बभ्रुवाहन-धनंजययोः संग्रामः
Babhruvāhana and Dhanaṃjaya’s engagement at Maṇipūra
यस्कृते बान्धवा: सर्वे मया नीता यमक्षयम् | इत्युक्त्वा बहु सान्त्वादिप्रसादमकरोज्जय:
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
yas-kṛte bāndhavāḥ sarve mayā nītā yamākṣayam |
ity uktvā bahu sāntvādiprasādam akaroj jayaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: “Sumpain nawa ang kṣatriya-dharma na iyon, na dahil dito’y naipadala ko ang lahat ng aking mga kamag-anak sa kaharian ni Yama!” Pagkasabi nito, si Arjuna (ang mananagumpay) ay nagbigay kay Duḥśalā ng saganang pag-aliw at mabiyayang kabutihan, ipinamalas ang kanyang mahabaging paglingap; at pagkatapos, na may pagpanatag, niyakap niya siya at pinauwi patungo sa kanyang tahanan.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension within kṣatriya-dharma: even when actions are sanctioned as ‘duty’ in war, the agent may feel profound remorse for the destruction of kin. It also affirms a dharmic response after violence—compassion, consolation, and restoring human bonds where possible.
Arjuna laments that the warrior code has led him to the death of his relatives, then he consoles Duḥśalā with kind words and gracious conduct. He embraces her and respectfully sends her back home, signaling reconciliation and care after the devastation of the Kurukṣetra war.