Shloka 9
त्रिवर्गमूलनिश्चयः — Determining the Roots of Dharma, Artha, and Kāma
Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 123
सद्धिराचरितं पूर्व यथावदनुयायिनम् । अपृच्छद् वसुहोमस्तं राजन् कि करवाणि ते,पूर्वकालमें साधु पुरुषोंने जिस पथका अनुसरण किया था, उसीपर यथावत् रूपसे निरन्तर चलनेवाले मान्धातासे वसुहोमने पूछा--राजन्! मैं आपकी क्या सेवा करूँ?”
sadbhiḥ ācaritaṁ pūrvaṁ yathāvad anuyāyinam | apṛcchad vasuhomas taṁ rājan kiṁ karavāṇi te ||
Bhishma said: Vasuhoma questioned King Mandhātṛ, who was steadily and properly following the ancient path practiced by the virtuous: “O King, what service shall I render to you?”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma as faithful adherence to the time-tested conduct of the virtuous, and it frames ethical life through humble readiness to serve and support righteous kingship.
Bhishma narrates that Vasuhoma approaches King Mandhātṛ—depicted as one who properly follows the ancient righteous path—and asks what he can do in service to him.