Shloka 24
Udyoga-parva Adhyāya 34 — Vidura’s Counsel on Deliberation, Speech-Discipline, and Dharmic Kingship
कि वै सहैवं चरथो न पुरा चरथ: सह । विरोचनैतत् पृच्छामि कि ते सख्यं सुधन्वना
kiṁ vai sahaivaṁ caratho na purā carathaḥ saha | virocanaitat pṛcchāmi kiṁ te sakhyaṁ sudhanvanā ||
প্ৰহ্লাদে ক’লে—তোমালোক দুয়ো এইদৰে একেলগে কিয় চলিছা? আগতে ত তোমালোক কেতিয়াও একেলগে ফুৰা নাছিলা। বিৰোচন, মই স্পষ্টকৈ সুধিছোঁ—সুধন্বাৰ সৈতে তোমাৰ মিত্ৰতা হৈছে নেকি? যদি হৈছে, তেন্তে এই সহচৰ্য কেনেকৈ হ’ল?
प्रह्माद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical vigilance in relationships: sudden companionships and alliances invite scrutiny, and one should inquire directly and clearly when a change in conduct suggests a new loyalty or influence.
Prahlāda notices that Virocana is now walking together with Sudhanvan, something that did not happen before. He openly questions Virocana about whether a new friendship or alliance has formed and why they are together.