Shloka 4
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
शत्रुभि॑हुभिग्रस्तो यथा वर्तेत पार्थिव: । एतदिच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुं सर्वमेव यथाविधि,बहुत-से शत्रुओंका आक्रमण हो जानेपर राजाको कैसा बर्ताव करना चाहिये? यह सब कुछ मैं विधिपूर्वक सुनना चाहता हूँ
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca |
śatrubhir bahubhir grasto yathā varteta pārthivaḥ |
etad icchāmy ahaṃ śrotuṃ sarvam eva yathāvidhi ||
قال يودهِشْتِهيرا: «إذا ضُيِّق على الملك تضييقًا شديدًا—وغمره هجومُ أعداءٍ كثيرين—فكيف ينبغي له أن يسلك؟ إني أرغب أن أسمع ذلك كلَّه كاملًا، على الوجه الصحيح، وفق الإجراء القويم ووفق الدَّرما.»
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames a rājadharma inquiry: in a situation of extreme external threat (many enemies attacking), a king must act not merely for survival but in a way regulated by vidhi—disciplined, lawful, and dharmic conduct—seeking guidance on correct policy and ethical restraint under pressure.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on governance and dharma, Yudhiṣṭhira asks for systematic guidance: when a ruler is beset by numerous foes, what course of action and comportment is proper. This question sets up the ensuing counsel on strategy, duty, and righteous kingship.