Shloka 30
Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna Saṃvāda in Indraprastha: Consolation, Legitimation, and Leave for Dvārakā (आश्वमेधिकपर्व, अध्याय १५)
धर्मेण राजा धर्मज्ञ: पातु सर्वा वसुन्धराम्
dharmeṇa rājā dharmajñaḥ pātu sarvāṃ vasundharām | bharataśreṣṭha bahu-se siddha-mahātmānāṃ saṅgase suśobhitaḥ tathā vandījanaiḥ sadā hi praśaṃsitaḥ san dharmajño rājā yudhiṣṭhira idānīṃ dharmapūrvakaṃ sarvāṃ pṛthivīṃ pālayet |
Let the king who knows dharma protect the whole earth through dharma. O best of the Bharatas, now may King Yudhiṣṭhira—adorned by the company of many perfected great souls and continually praised by bards—govern the entire world in accordance with righteousness.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches rājadharma: a king’s authority is justified only when he protects the world through dharma—righteous conduct, just policy, and moral restraint—supported by the counsel and presence of the wise.
Vāyudeva addresses the Bharata hero and points to Yudhiṣṭhira’s rightful role after upheaval: surrounded by accomplished sages and praised by bards, Yudhiṣṭhira is urged to undertake the ethical governance of the entire earth.