Shloka 25
अन्नदान-प्रशंसा (Praise of the Gift of Food) | Annadāna-Praśaṃsā
अस्ति मे बलवानस्मि राजास्मीति युधिष्ठिर । ब्राह्मणान् मा च पर्यश्रीवसोभिरशनेन च
asti me balavān asmi rājā asmīti yudhiṣṭhira | brāhmaṇān mā ca paryaśrīvasobhir aśanena ca ||
Bhīṣma said: “O Yudhiṣṭhira, do not let the thought arise—‘I have wealth, I am strong, I am the king.’ Do not, out of such pride, disregard the Brāhmaṇas and then consume food and clothing for yourself alone. Kingship is to be exercised with reverence toward the learned and with restraint in personal enjoyment.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power, wealth, and kingship should not breed arrogance. A ruler must honor the Brāhmaṇas (as custodians of learning and dharma) and practice restraint, not indulging in food and clothing while neglecting those worthy of respect and support.
In the Anuśāsana Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma and proper royal conduct. Here he warns Yudhiṣṭhira against pride in sovereignty and urges reverence toward Brāhmaṇas and disciplined personal enjoyment.