Shloka 13
Udyoga-parva Adhyāya 27 — Saṃjaya’s Counsel on Dharma, Desire, and the Non-Perishing of Karma
काश्यो बश्रु: श्रियमुत्तमां गतो लब्ध्वा कृष्णं भ्रातरमीशितारम् । यस्मै कामान् वर्षति वासुदेवो ग्रीष्मात्यये मेघ इव प्रजाभ्य:
kāśyo babhruḥ śriyam uttamāṁ gato labdhvā kṛṣṇaṁ bhrātaram īśitāram | yasmai kāmān varṣati vāsudevo grīṣmātyaye megha iva prajābhyaḥ ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Babhru of Kāśī has attained the highest royal fortune, having gained Kṛṣṇa—his brother and sovereign protector. For him Vāsudeva showers every desired enjoyment, just as a cloud at the end of summer pours rain for the people.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Prosperity and security in kingship are portrayed as arising from righteous alliance with a legitimate protector: Kṛṣṇa as īśitā (sovereign guide) is depicted as one who bestows benefits in a life-sustaining, non-exploitative way—like rain that supports the people.
In Udyoga Parva’s diplomatic context, Yudhiṣṭhira cites the example of the Kāśī king Babhru, who thrives because of his close bond with Kṛṣṇa. The verse uses a seasonal simile—clouds bringing rain after summer—to emphasize Kṛṣṇa’s generous support and the resulting stability for a ruler.