Shloka 10
Vidura’s Message to Dhṛtarāṣṭra: Authorization for Dāna and Public Welfare (विदुरवाक्यम्—दानानुज्ञा)
तथा शैलालयो राजा भगदत्तपितामह: । तपोबलेनैव नृपो महेन्द्रसदनं गत:,इसी प्रकार भगदत्तके पिता महाराजा शैलालय भी तपस्याके बलसे ही इन्द्रलोकको गये हैं
tathā śailālayaḥ rājā bhagadatta-pitāmahaḥ | tapo-balenaiva nṛpo mahendra-sadanaṃ gataḥ ||
Nārada said: “In the same way, King Śailālaya, the grandsire of Bhagadatta, attained Mahendra’s abode (Indra’s heaven) solely by the power of his austerities.” The statement underscores that disciplined tapas, when rightly pursued, is held to elevate a ruler beyond worldly status toward a higher spiritual destiny.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Mahābhārata’s valuation of tapas (austerity and disciplined self-restraint) as a potent source of spiritual merit capable of leading even a king to Indra’s heaven, emphasizing inner discipline over mere worldly power.
Nārada continues citing exemplars: he mentions King Śailālaya, identified as Bhagadatta’s grandsire, and states that this king attained Indra’s abode through the strength of his austerities.