Shloka 3
Adhyāya 11 — Maṇḍala-vicāra and Ṣāḍguṇya-prayoga
Circle-of-Kings Analysis and the Six Policies
इति तस्य वच: श्रुत्वा फाल्गुनस्य महात्मन: । विदुरं प्राह धर्मात्मा कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिर:,महात्मा अर्जुनकी यह बात सुनकर धर्मात्मा कुन्तीपुत्र युधिष्ठिरने विदुरजीसे कहा --
iti tasya vacaḥ śrutvā phālgunasya mahātmanaḥ | viduraṃ prāha dharmātmā kuntīputro yudhiṣṭhiraḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Having heard those words of the great-souled Phālguna (Arjuna), the righteous-minded Yudhiṣṭhira—son of Kuntī—then addressed Vidura.
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic decision-making: a ruler or leader should first listen carefully to counsel (here, Arjuna’s words) and then consult a trusted moral authority (Vidura) before acting. It models humility, deliberation, and reliance on ethical wisdom.
After Arjuna (Phālguna) has spoken, Yudhiṣṭhira hears him and then turns to Vidura to speak. The scene signals a transition from Arjuna’s statement to Yudhiṣṭhira’s response and further discussion guided by Vidura’s insight.