Shloka 4
शत्रुभि॑हुभिग्रस्तो यथा वर्तेत पार्थिव: । एतदिच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुं सर्वमेव यथाविधि,बहुत-से शत्रुओंका आक्रमण हो जानेपर राजाको कैसा बर्ताव करना चाहिये? यह सब कुछ मैं विधिपूर्वक सुनना चाहता हूँ
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca |
śatrubhir bahubhir grasto yathā varteta pārthivaḥ |
etad icchāmy ahaṃ śrotuṃ sarvam eva yathāvidhi ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “When a king is hard-pressed—overwhelmed by the assault of many enemies—how should he conduct himself? I wish to hear this in full, in the proper manner, according to right procedure and dharma.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames a rājadharma inquiry: in a situation of extreme external threat (many enemies attacking), a king must act not merely for survival but in a way regulated by vidhi—disciplined, lawful, and dharmic conduct—seeking guidance on correct policy and ethical restraint under pressure.
In Śānti Parva’s instruction on governance and dharma, Yudhiṣṭhira asks for systematic guidance: when a ruler is beset by numerous foes, what course of action and comportment is proper. This question sets up the ensuing counsel on strategy, duty, and righteous kingship.