Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 11
Vidura Leaves Hastināpura and Meets Uddhava
Vidura’s Tīrtha-yātrā Begins
अजातशत्रो: प्रतियच्छ दायं तितिक्षतो दुर्विषहं तवाग: । सहानुजो यत्र वृकोदराहि: श्वसन् रुषा यत्त्वमलं बिभेषि ॥ ११ ॥
ajāta-śatroḥ pratiyaccha dāyaṁ titikṣato durviṣahaṁ tavāgaḥ sahānujo yatra vṛkodarāhiḥ śvasan ruṣā yat tvam alaṁ bibheṣi
[Vidura said:] You must now return the legitimate share to Yudhiṣṭhira, who has no enemies and who has been forbearing through untold sufferings due to your offenses. He is waiting with his younger brothers, among whom is the revengeful Bhīma, breathing heavily like a snake. Surely you are afraid of him.
FAQs
This verse urges restoring the rightful share to the blameless heir, teaching that denying lawful rights is a grave offense against dharma and invites severe consequences.
Vidura tried to restrain Duryodhana from further adharma by reminding him that Bhīma, enraged by injustice toward the Pāṇḍavas, could retaliate powerfully—like a hissing serpent.
Do not exploit the patient and tolerant; correct unfairness early, return what is due, and resolve conflicts before suppressed injustice turns into destructive anger.