Mahabharata Bhishma Parva – अधनस्य मृतं शरेयॊ न च जञातिवधाद धनम

Shloka (श्लोक)

अधनस्य मृतं शरेयॊ न च जञातिवधाद धनम
किं नु पराप्स्यामहे कृष्ण हत्वा जञातीन समागतान

⚡ Quick Meaning

What can we gain, O Krishna, by killing our relatives gathered here? Wealth is worthless compared to the sacrifice of our kin.

Translations

English Translation

This shloka questions the value of wealth when it is in exchange for the lives of relatives. The speaker argues that no amount of riches can justify the act of killing loved ones for material gain, pressing the idea of morality over materialism in times of war.

हिंदी अनुवाद

यह श्लोक रिश्तेदारों के जीवन के लिए धन के मूल्य पर सवाल उठाता है। वक्ता तर्क करता है कि कोई भी धन रिश्तेदारों को मारने के कार्य को सही नहीं ठहरा सकता, जो युद्ध के समय में नैतिकता को भौतिकवाद पर रखने का विचार करता है।

Commentary

Context

Situated within the Bhishma Parva, this verse reflects the inner conflict of a warrior about the ethics involved in fighting one’s own kin.

Meaning

The main message conveys the idea that familial ties should outweigh the allure of wealth, especially in a battleground context.

Application

This serves as an ethical reminder to prioritize relationships over material possessions and the consequences of war.