Shloka 20
Droṇa–Vidura–Gāndhārī Counsel in the Royal Assembly (धर्मार्थयुक्ता सभा-उपदेश-प्रकरणम्)
प्रतिज्ञां दुष्करां कृत्वा पितुरर्थे कुलस्य च । अराजा चोध्वरिताश्व यथा सुविदितं तव । प्रतीतो निवसाम्येष प्रतिज्ञामनुपालयन्,“किसी प्रकार इस कुलका उच्छेद न हो और इसके यशका सदा विस्तार होता रहे'-- उनकी आन्तरिक इच्छा जानकर मैं कुलकी भलाई और पिताकी प्रसन्नताके लिये राजा न होने और जीवनभर ऊध्वरिता (नैप्ठिक ब्रह्मचारी) रहनेकी दुष्कर प्रतिज्ञा करके माता काली (सत्यवती)-को ले आया। ये सारी बातें तुमको अच्छी तरह ज्ञात हैं। मैं उसी प्रतिज्ञाका पालन करता हुआ सदा प्रसन्नतापूर्वक यहाँ निवास करता हूँ
pratijñāṁ duṣkarāṁ kṛtvā pitur arthe kulasya ca | arājā codhvaritāśva yathā suviditaṁ tava | pratīto nivasāmy eṣa pratijñām anupālayan |
Having undertaken a difficult vow for my father’s sake and for the welfare of the lineage, I resolved to live without kingship and as an ūrdhvaretaḥ (lifelong celibate). As you well know, understanding my father’s inner wish—‘may this family not be cut off, and may its fame ever expand’—I brought Satyavatī (Kālī) here. Content, I dwell here, faithfully upholding that vow.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as steadfastness to a difficult vow: personal sacrifice (renouncing kingship and embracing lifelong celibacy) undertaken for a higher responsibility—one’s father’s welfare and the continuity and honor of the lineage.
The speaker recalls making an arduous pledge to satisfy his father’s inner desire that the dynasty not perish and its fame increase; therefore he brought Satyavatī (also called Kālī) and continues to live contentedly while strictly maintaining that vow.