Shloka 103
Adhyaya 32: Saṃjaya’s Return, Audience with Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Ethical Admonition
अन्रैवोदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । पुत्रार्थमसुरेन्द्रेण गीत॑ चैव सुधन्वना
anraivodāharantīmam itihāsaṃ purātanam | putrārtham asurendreṇa gītaṃ caiva sudhanvanā ||
Vidura said: “The wise cite this ancient legend as an illustration: for the sake of his son, the lord of the Asuras once sang (or recounted) this teaching to Sudhanvan. In this very matter, Prahlāda, king among the Asuras, offered counsel to Sudhanvan concerning his son.”
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
That ethical instruction (nīti/dharma) is best conveyed through time-tested exemplars: the wise support counsel by citing ancient narratives, here introducing Prahlāda’s advice given with a son’s welfare in view.
Vidura introduces an old illustrative legend: Prahlāda, described as king of the Asuras, addresses Sudhanvan and gives guidance connected with Sudhanvan’s son; the verse functions as a transition into that didactic episode.