Mahabharata Vana Parva – कर्ताव्यं चेत प्रियं मह्यं वध्यः स पुरुषाधमः

Shloka (श्लोक)

कर्ताव्यं चेत प्रियं मह्यं वध्यः स पुरुषाधमः
सैन्धवापसदः पापॊ दुर्मतिः कुलपांसनः

⚡ Quick Meaning

This shloka discusses the implications of duty towards friends and the dishonor possessed by a wicked person.

Translations

English Translation

If it is obligatory to kill, then even the lowliest of men, who is wicked and dishonorable by nature, is to be shown no mercy, suggesting that righteousness prevails over personal ties.

हिंदी अनुवाद

यदि कोई कार्य करना आवश्यक है, तो सबसे अधम व्यक्ति को भी, जो स्वभाव से पापी और कुल से पतित है, दया नहीं मिलनी चाहिए, जिससे यह स्पष्ट होता है कि धर्म निजी रिश्तों से ऊपर है।

Commentary

Context

This shloka reflects upon moral duty in dire situations, especially in warfare and righteous anger.

Meaning

It serves as a reminder that duty sometimes requires difficult decisions that may conflict with personal relationships.

Application

This message is relevant today, emphasizing that ethical responsibilities may require difficult choices that prioritize the greater good.