Shloka 2736
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Reproof and Vow-Logic: On Dice-Deception, Exile Terms, and the Governance of Anger
Adhyāya 35
विश्रुता कथमज्ञाता कृष्णा पार्थ चरिष्यति । पार्थ! यह वीरजननी पवित्रकीर्ति राजकुमारी द्रौपदी सारे संसारमें विख्यात है। भला, यह अज्ञातवासके नियम कैसे निभा सकेगी
viśrutā katham ajñātā kṛṣṇā pārtha cariṣyati | pārtha! iyaṁ vīrajananī pavitrakīrti rājakuṁmārī draupadī sāre saṁsāra-meṁ vikhyāta hai | bhalā, iyaṁ ajñātavāsa-ke niyama kaise nibhā sakegī
Wika ni Bhīmasena: “Paano mabubuhay bilang di-kilala si Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī) na bantog sa lahat ng dako? O Pārtha, ang prinsesang si Draupadī—ina ng mga bayani at may dalisay na dangal—ay kilala sa buong daigdig. Kung gayon, paano niya matutupad ang mahihigpit na tuntunin ng pamumuhay nang palihim?”
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights the ethical tension between strict observance of a vow (ajñātavāsa) and the practical realities of protecting dignity and safety. Bhīma argues that social visibility and reputation can make concealment difficult, implying that dharma must be upheld with vigilance and prudent planning, not merely by formal intent.
During the exile context, Bhīma addresses Arjuna (Pārtha) with concern about Draupadī. He points out that she is too famous to remain unrecognized and questions how she can successfully follow the rules of living incognito, foreshadowing the risks the group faces if their identity is exposed.