Shloka 29
Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna Saṃvāda in Indraprastha: Consolation, Legitimation, and Leave for Dvārakā (आश्वमेधिकपर्व, अध्याय १५)
पृथिवी च वशे तात धर्मपुत्रस्य धीमत: । स्थिता समुद्रवलया सशैलवनकानना
pṛthivī ca vaśe tāta dharmaputrasya dhīmataḥ | sthitā samudravalayā saśailavanakānanā ||
O dear one, the entire earth stands under the control of the wise son of Dharma. Girdled by the ocean, and complete with its mountains, forests, and groves, it abides in his dominion—signifying the rightful, dharma-grounded sovereignty now established.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse links political sovereignty to dharma: the earth’s stability and order are portrayed as resting under the governance of the wise Dharmaputra, implying that rightful rule is grounded in ethical conduct and legitimacy rather than mere force.
Vāyudeva addresses someone affectionately (“tāta”) and declares that the whole earth—encircled by the ocean and inclusive of mountains and forests—now stands under the dominion of Dharmaputra (Yudhiṣṭhira), affirming his established kingship in the post-war context of the Aśvamedhika narrative.