Shloka 90
Hiḍimba’s Approach and Hiḍimbā’s Warning to Bhīmasena (हिडिम्बागमनम् / हिडिम्बा-भयवचनम्)
पाण्डवेषु यथान्यायमन्येषु च कुरूद्वह | वर्तमानो न मज्जेस्त्वं तथा कृत्यं समाचर,कुरुश्रेष्ठी! आप भी इसी नीतिका अनुसरण करके पाण्डवों तथा दूसरे लोगोंके साथ यथोचित बर्ताव करते रहें। परंतु ऐसा कार्य करें, जिससे स्वयं संकटके समुद्रमें डूब न जाय॑ँ। आप समस्त कल्याणकारी साधनोंसे सम्पन्न और सबसे श्रेष्ठ हैं, यही सबका निश्चय है; अतः नरेश्वर! आप पाण्डुके पुत्रोंसे अपनी रक्षा कीजिये
pāṇḍaveṣu yathānyāyam anyeṣu ca kurūdvaha | vartamāno na majjes tvaṃ tathā kṛtyaṃ samācara, kuruśreṣṭhī! |
Kaṇika said: “O bull among the Kurus, conduct yourself toward the Pāṇḍavas—and toward others as well—in a manner that accords with propriety and justice. Yet act so that, even while you remain engaged in affairs, you do not sink into a sea of danger. Since you are held to be endowed with every means of welfare and foremost among men, O king, safeguard yourself with respect to the sons of Pāṇḍu.”
कणिक उवाच
Educational Q&A
Maintain outward propriety and justice in dealing with the Pāṇḍavas and others, but choose actions that prevent personal or political ruin—ethical appearance and strategic self-preservation are both emphasized.
Kaṇika is giving counsel to a Kuru prince/king, urging him to behave appropriately toward the Pāṇḍavas while simultaneously taking measures to ensure his own safety and advantage in the unfolding rivalry.