Shloka 24
पाण्डवानां वनप्रस्थानवर्णनम् / The Pāṇḍavas’ Departure for the Forest
Vidura’s Report and Portents
ततो गान्धारी विदुरश्षापि विद्वां- स्तमुत्पातं घोरमालक्ष्य राजे । निवेदयामासतुरार्तवत् तदा ततो राजा वाक्यमिदं बभाषे
tato gāndhārī viduraś cāpi vidvāṁs tam utpātaṁ ghoram ālakṣya rāje | nivedayām āsatur ārtavat tadā tato rājā vākyam idaṁ babhāṣe ||
Then Gāndhārī and the wise Vidura, noticing that dreadful portent, reported it at once to the king in deep distress. Thereupon the king spoke these words.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
When ominous signs arise, the dharma-minded respond with vigilance and truthful counsel; ethical governance requires heeding warnings rather than ignoring them out of attachment or pride.
Gāndhārī and Vidura perceive a frightening portent and, distressed, inform King Dhṛtarāṣṭra; the verse sets up the king’s ensuing response.