Shloka 55
Daṇḍotpatti-kathana (Origin and Function of Daṇḍa) — वसुहोम–मान्धातृ संवाद
व्यवहार: प्रजागोप्ता ब्रह्म॒ुदिष्टो युधिष्ठिर । त्रीन् धारयति लोकान् वै सत्यात्मा भूतिवर्धन:
vyavahāraḥ prajāgoptā brahmādiṣṭo yudhiṣṭhira | trīn dhārayati lokān vai satyātmā bhūtivardhanaḥ ||
Bhishma said: “O Yudhishthira, the system of righteous governance—appointed by Brahmā as the protector of the people—upholds the three worlds. Being grounded in truth, it increases prosperity and well-being.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that righteous governance (vyavahāra) is not merely administrative technique but a dharmic institution: when grounded in truth and aimed at protecting subjects, it sustains social and cosmic order and leads to prosperity.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on rājadharma, Bhishma addresses Yudhishthira, emphasizing that the people-protecting order of governance—said to be ordained by Brahmā—supports the stability of the three worlds and promotes welfare.