Shloka 20
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 148: Vāsudeva’s Report—Mobilization and the Nīti Sequence
Sāma–Bheda–Daṇḍa
बाह्लीकस्य प्रियो भ्राता शान्तनोश्व॒ महात्मन: । सौक्षात्रं च परं तेषां सहितानां महात्मनाम्
Bāhlīkasya priyo bhrātā Śāntanoś ca mahātmanaḥ | Saukṣātraṃ ca paraṃ teṣāṃ sahitānāṃ mahātmanām ||
Vāyu said: “Bāhlīka was the beloved brother of the great-souled Śāntanu; and among those high-minded men who lived in close unity, the bond of Saukṣātra too was foremost. Between these noble brothers, joined together in purpose, there prevailed an affection and conduct like that of ideal brothers—marked by mutual regard and steadfast solidarity.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of fraternal dharma: noble people remain united, and their relationships are sustained by mutual affection, respect, and steadfast solidarity—conducting themselves toward one another as true brothers should.
Vāyudeva describes the close familial bond among eminent figures connected with Śāntanu: Bāhlīka is presented as Śāntanu’s beloved brother, and the group (including the one designated as Saukṣātra) is portrayed as living in close association with exemplary brotherly affection.