Vidura Leaves Hastināpura and Meets Uddhava
Vidura’s Tīrtha-yātrā Begins
यमावुतस्वित्तनयौ पृथाया: पार्थैर्वृतौ पक्ष्मभिरक्षिणीव । रेमात उद्दाय मृधे स्वरिक्थं परात्सुपर्णाविव वज्रिवक्त्रात् ॥ ३९ ॥
yamāv utasvit tanayau pṛthāyāḥ pārthair vṛtau pakṣmabhir akṣiṇīva remāta uddāya mṛdhe sva-rikthaṁ parāt suparṇāv iva vajri-vaktrāt
Are the twin brothers who are protected by their brothers doing well? Just as the eye is always protected by the eyelid, they are protected by the sons of Pṛthā, who snatched back their rightful kingdom from the hands of their enemy Duryodhana, just as Garuḍa snatched nectar from the mouth of Indra, the thunderbolt carrier.
Indra, the King of heaven, carries a thunderbolt in his hand and is very strong, yet Garuḍa, the carrier of Lord Viṣṇu, was able to snatch nectar from his mouth. Similarly, Duryodhana was as strong as the King of heaven, and still the sons of Pṛthā, the Pāṇḍavas, were able to snatch away their kingdom from Duryodhana. Both Garuḍa and the Pārthas are pet devotees of the Lord, and thus it was possible for them to face such strong enemies.
Vidura specifically asks whether the twin brothers, protected by their elder Pāṇḍava brothers, were able to reclaim their rightful share and find relief after the great war.
Vidura is meeting Uddhava and, out of affection and concern for dharma, inquires about the welfare and fate of the Pāṇḍavas and other key figures after the Kurukṣetra events.
It highlights the value of righteous protection and solidarity—when guided by dharma, supportive relationships help one face conflict and regain what is rightfully and responsibly earned.