Shloka 9
Vidura’s Return; Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Departure; Nārada’s Instruction on Kāla and Detachment
कया वृत्त्या वर्तितं वश्चरद्भि: क्षितिमण्डलम् । तीर्थानि क्षेत्रमुख्यानि सेवितानीह भूतले ॥ ९ ॥
kayā vṛttyā vartitaṁ vaś caradbhiḥ kṣiti-maṇḍalam tīrthāni kṣetra-mukhyāni sevitānīha bhūtale
While journeying over the earth, by what means did you sustain your livelihood? And at which holy tīrthas and foremost sacred kṣetras did you render service?
Vidura went out from the palace to detach himself from household affairs, especially political intrigues. As referred to hereinbefore, he was practically insulted by Duryodhana’s calling him a son of a śūdrāṇī, although it was not out of place to talk loosely in the case of one’s grandmother. Vidura’s mother, although a śūdrāṇī, was the grandmother of Duryodhana, and funny talks are sometimes allowed between grandmother and grandchildren. But because the remark was an actual fact, it was unpalatable talk to Vidura, and it was accepted as a direct insult. He therefore decided to quit his paternal house and prepare for the renounced order of life. This preparatory stage is called vānaprastha-āśrama, or retired life for traveling and visiting the holy places on the surface of the earth. In the holy places of India, like Vṛndāvana, Hardwar, Jagannātha Purī, and Prayāga, there are many great devotees, and there are still free kitchen houses for persons who desire to advance spiritually. Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira was inquisitive to learn whether Vidura maintained himself by the mercy of the free kitchen houses ( chatras ).
FAQs
This verse shows pilgrimage as a sacred practice—visiting tīrthas and holy kṣetras—often undertaken by dharmic devotees while wandering for spiritual purpose.
Arjuna had returned after a long absence; Yudhisthira, sensing unusual omens, inquired about Arjuna’s journey—how he lived and which tīrthas he visited—seeking clues about the state of affairs, especially regarding Krishna.
Live simply while pursuing spiritual goals, and regularly connect with sanctified places, practices, and communities that elevate remembrance of God and strengthen dharma.