Shloka 1
Udyoga Parva Adhyāya 132 — Vidura’s Counsel on Udyama, Yaśas, and Kṣātra-Dharma
अपन कातज बा | अरूण त्रयस्त्रिशर्दाधिकशततमोब& ध्याय: कुन्तीके द्वारा विदुलोपाख्यानका आरम्भ
kunty uvāca | atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṁ purātanam | vidulāyāś ca saṁvādaṁ putrasya ca parantapa ||
Kuntī said: “Here too, they cite an ancient historical precedent: the dialogue of Vidulā and her son, O scorcher of foes—a tale in which Vidulā sternly rebukes her son when he returns from the battlefield in flight, and rouses him again toward the duty of war and honor.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
An ancient exemplum is introduced to reinforce kṣatriya-dharma: one must not abandon rightful duty out of fear; moral strength and honor require steadfastness, and wise counsel may sternly correct cowardice for the sake of dharma.
Kuntī begins an illustrative story (Vidulopākhyāna), announcing that she will recount the dialogue between Vidulā and her son—centered on Vidulā’s sharp reprimand and her effort to send him back to the battlefield.