Shloka 21
Āraṇyaka-parva, Adhyāya 1 — The Pandavas’ Exit from Gajasāhvaya and the Citizens’ Lament (जनमेजयप्रश्नः; पाण्डवानां वनप्रस्थानम्)
अधर्मेण जितान् श्र॒त्वा युष्मांस्त्यक्तघृणै: परै: । उद्विग्ना: स्मो भृशं सर्वे नास्मान् हातुमिहाहथ,“निर्दयी शत्रुओंने आपको अधर्मपूर्वक जूएमें हराया है, यह सुनकर हम सब लोग अत्यन्त उद्विग्न हो उठे हैं। आपलोग हमारा त्याग न करें; क्योंकि हम आपके सेवक हैं, प्रेमी हैं, सुहृद् हैं और सदा आपके प्रिय एवं हितमें संलग्न रहनेवाले हैं। आपके बिना इस दुष्ट राजाके राज्यमें रहकर हम नष्ट होना नहीं चाहते
adharmeṇa jitān śrutvā yuṣmāṁs tyaktaghṛṇaiḥ paraiḥ | udvignāḥ smo bhṛśaṁ sarve nāsmān hātum ihāhatha ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: “Nang marinig naming kayo’y natalo sa paraang salungat sa dharma, ng mga kaaway na itinakwil ang habag, kaming lahat ay labis na nabagabag. Huwag ninyo kaming iwan dito. Ayaw naming mapahamak sa kaharian ng masamang haring iyon kung wala kayo.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts dharma and adharma in political conflict: victory gained through unrighteous means and without compassion is morally tainted, and it creates fear and instability among dependents. It also highlights the ethical bond of loyalty—followers feel their own survival and integrity are tied to the rightful leaders, not to a cruel regime.
The speaker reports the reaction of well-wishers/attendants upon hearing that the addressed party has been defeated through adharma (alluding to the dice-game injustice). They are shaken and plead not to be left behind, expressing that they cannot bear to live under a wicked ruler without those they serve and love.