Shloka 39
Aśvatthāman’s Admonition to Karṇa on Boasting, Varṇa-Duties, and the Threat of Arjuna
Virāṭa-parva, Adhyāya 45
स्वयंवरे तु पाउ्चाल्या राजभि: सह संयुगे । युध्यतो बहुभिस्तात क: सहायस्तदाभवत्,तात! द्रौपदीके स्वयंवरमें जब मुझे अनेक राजाओंके साथ युद्ध करना पड़ा था, उस समय किसने मेरी सहायता की थी?
svayaṃvare tu pāñcālyā rājabhiḥ saha saṃyuge | yudhyato bahubhis tāta kaḥ sahāyas tadābhavat ||
“Còn tại lễ svayaṃvara của Draupadī, khi ta buộc phải giao chiến với rất nhiều vua chúa, hỡi người thân mến—khi ấy ai đã trợ giúp ta?”
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical importance of remembering and acknowledging assistance received in moments of danger—gratitude and recognition of allies are integral to righteous conduct.
Uttara recalls an earlier episode connected with Draupadī’s svayaṃvara, asking who supported him when he faced many kings in combat, thereby prompting identification of the true protector/ally in that crisis.