Shloka 8
Adhyāya 123 — Droṇa’s Pedagogy: Arjuna’s Preeminence, Ekalavya’s Self-Training, and the Bhāsa-Lakṣya Trial
एष धर्मभूृतां श्रेष्ठो भविष्यति नरोत्तम: । विक्रान्त: सत्यवाक् त्वेव राजा पृथ्व्यां भविष्यति
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
eṣa dharmabhṛtāṃ śreṣṭho bhaviṣyati narottamaḥ |
vikrāntaḥ satyavāk tveva rājā pṛthvyāṃ bhaviṣyati,
yaśasā tejasā caiva vṛttena ca samanvitaḥ |
Vaiśampāyana said: “This best of men will become foremost among the upholders of dharma. He will be a valiant king upon the earth, steadfast in truth. Endowed with fame and splendor, and marked by upright conduct, he will rule with ethical excellence.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents the ethical ideal of rulership: true sovereignty is grounded in dharma, truthfulness in speech, courage in action, and disciplined personal conduct—qualities that naturally yield fame and moral authority.
Vaiśampāyana foretells the rise of an exemplary future king, describing his defining traits—devotion to dharma, valor, truth-speaking, and impeccable character—framing him as a model ruler destined for renown.