Shloka 35
Adhyaya 32: Saṃjaya’s Return, Audience with Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Ethical Admonition
श्राद्धं पितृभ्यो न ददाति दैवतानि न चार्चति । सुहन्मित्रं न लभते तमाहुर्मूठडचेतसम्,जो पितरोंका श्राद्ध और देवताओंका पूजन नहीं करता तथा जिसे सुहृद् मित्र नहीं मिलता, उसे मूढ चित्तवाला कहते हैं
śrāddhaṃ pitṛbhyo na dadāti daivatāni na cārcati | suhṛnmitraṃ na labhate tam āhur mūḍhacetasaṃ ||
Vidura says: One who does not offer śrāddha to the ancestors and does not worship the gods, and who therefore fails to gain the companionship of true well-wishers and friends—such a person is called dull-minded. The ethical point is that neglect of sacred duties and gratitude (to ancestors and deities) erodes one’s moral standing and social trust, leaving one without genuine allies.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Neglecting duties of reverence—śrāddha for ancestors and worship of the gods—signals moral dullness and leads to loss of goodwill; such a person fails to attract true friends and supporters.
In Vidura’s counsel (Vidura-nīti) within the Udyoga Parva, he describes traits of an unwise person, linking irreligious neglect of customary dharmic obligations with social isolation and lack of trustworthy companionship.