Shloka 18
Uddhava Recalls Kṛṣṇa’s Mission: Earth’s Burden, Royal Dharma, and the Prelude to Dvārakā’s Withdrawal
अयाजयद्धर्मसुतमश्वमेधैस्त्रिभिर्विभु: । सोऽपि क्ष्मामनुजै रक्षन् रेमे कृष्णमनुव्रत: ॥ १८ ॥
ayājayad dharma-sutam aśvamedhais tribhir vibhuḥ so ’pi kṣmām anujai rakṣan reme kṛṣṇam anuvrataḥ
The Supreme Lord caused the son of Dharma to perform three Aśvamedha sacrifices, and Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira—ever devoted to Kṛṣṇa—protected the earth and enjoyed his rule with the aid of his younger brothers.
Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira was the ideal monarchical representative on the earth because he was a constant follower of the Supreme Lord, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. As stated in the Vedas ( Īśopaniṣad ), the Lord is the proprietor of the entire manifested cosmic creation, which presents a chance for the conditioned souls to revive their eternal relationship with the Lord and thus go back to Godhead, back home. The whole system of the material world is arranged with that program and plan. Anyone who violates the plan is punished by the law of nature, which is acting by the direction of the Supreme Lord. Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira was installed on the throne of the earth as a representative of the Lord. The king is always expected to be the representative of the Lord. Perfect monarchy necessitates representation of the supreme will of the Lord, and Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira was the ideal monarch on this supreme principle. Both the King and the subjects were happy in the discharge of worldly duties, and thus protection of the citizens and enjoyment of natural life, with full cooperation of material nature, followed in the reign of Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira and his worthy descendants like Mahārāja Parīkṣit.
FAQs
This verse states that Śrī Kṛṣṇa had Yudhiṣṭhira perform three Aśvamedha sacrifices, affirming righteous kingship and restoring dharma.
To re-establish dharma and legitimize Yudhiṣṭhira’s rule after the war, while keeping the king anchored in devotion to Kṛṣṇa.
Do your worldly duties responsibly (protecting and supporting others) while remaining inwardly faithful to God—letting devotion guide leadership and decisions.