Shloka 17
धृतराष्ट्र-सेवा, राज्य-कार्य-विभागः
Service to Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Allocation of State Duties
विदुरं संजयं चैव युयुत्सुं च महामतिम् । अब्रवीत् परवीरघ्नो धर्मात्मा धर्मवत्सल:ः
vaiśampāyana uvāca | viduraṃ saṃjayaṃ caiva yuyutsuṃ ca mahāmatim | abravīt paravīraghno dharmātmā dharmavatsalaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then Yudhiṣṭhira—slayer of hostile heroes, righteous in spirit and devoted to dharma—addressed Vidura, Saṃjaya, and the very wise Yuyutsu. He instructed them to remain ever vigilant and, rising each day, to carry out in a fitting manner all the necessary duties of service to his elder uncle, King Dhṛtarāṣṭra—thus placing reverent care for an aged kinsman at the center of postwar kingship and ethical governance.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even after victory, dharma requires vigilant, respectful care for elders and kin—especially those formerly opposed—so that governance is grounded in duty, restraint, and reconciliation rather than triumphalism.
In the Śānti Parva’s postwar setting, Yudhiṣṭhira speaks to Vidura, Saṃjaya, and Yuyutsu, directing them to attend properly and daily to the needs and service of the aged King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, his elder uncle.