Shloka 2
धृतराष्ट्रस्य युधिष्ठिरं प्रति व्यवहार-रक्षा-नियमनोपदेशः | Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Instruction on Administration, Punishment, and Daily Governance
स गत्वा राजवचनादुवाचाच्युतमी श्वरम् । युधिष्ठिरं महातेजा: सर्वबुद्धिमतां वर:
sa gatvā rājavacanād uvāca acyutam īśvaram | yudhiṣṭhiraṃ mahātejāḥ sarvabuddhimatāṃ varaḥ ||
Obeying the king’s command, the illustrious Vidura—foremost among the wise—went and addressed Yudhiṣṭhira, the infallible lord, a ruler who never swerved from dharma. The verse frames Vidura’s approach as an act of duty and moral counsel: wisdom is shown not merely in knowing dharma, but in serving it through timely speech to a righteous king.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Wisdom expresses itself through dharmic action: Vidura, renowned for discernment, fulfills duty by approaching the righteous king and offering counsel. The verse highlights obedience to legitimate command and the ethical responsibility to speak rightly to those in power.
Vidura, acting on the king’s instruction, goes to Yudhiṣṭhira and begins to address him. The narrator (Vaiśampāyana) introduces Vidura’s stature as the foremost of the wise and underscores Yudhiṣṭhira’s unwavering commitment to dharma.