Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 35
द्रौपदी-भीमसेनसंवादः
Draupadī–Bhīmasena Dialogue on Suffering, Kāla, and Daiva
दूयामि भरतमश्रेष्ठ दृष्ट॒वा ते भ्रातरं प्रियम् । गोषु गोवृषसंकाशं मत्स्येनाभिनिवेशितम्
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: dūyāmi bharataśreṣṭha dṛṣṭvā te bhrātaraṁ priyam | goṣu govṛṣasaṅkāśaṁ matsyenābhiniveśitam ||
اے بھرت شریشٹھ! گایوں میں شریشٹھ سانڈ کی مانند تاباں و توانا تمہارے پیارے بھائی سہ دیو کو متسیہ راجہ کے ہاتھوں گو-سیوا میں لگایا ہوا دیکھ کر مجھے بڑا دکھ ہوتا ہے۔
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma as steadfast endurance: even those of high birth accept humble roles without resentment when bound by a vow and necessity. Ethical strength is shown in self-control, patience, and commitment to a chosen duty despite social reversal.
During the Pandavas’ incognito year in the Matsya kingdom, Sahadeva is assigned by King Virāṭa to work among the cattle. The narrator expresses sorrow at seeing a noble warrior reduced to cow-service, underscoring the hardship of concealment and exile.