Shloka 66
अवध्या ब्राह्मणा गावो ज्ञातय: शिशव: स्त्रिय: । येषां चान्नानि भुज्जीत ये च स्यु: शरणागता:,ब्राह्मण, गौ, कुटुम्बी, बालक, स्त्री, अन्नदाता और शरणागत-ये अवध्य होते हैं
avadhyā brāhmaṇā gāvo jñātayaḥ śiśavaḥ striyaḥ | yeṣāṃ cānnāni bhujjīta ye ca syuḥ śaraṇāgatāḥ ||
Vidura declares that certain beings must never be harmed: Brahmins, cows, one’s own kinsfolk, children, and women. Likewise, those from whom one receives food and sustenance, and all who come seeking refuge, are to be treated as inviolable. In the ethical frame of the Udyoga Parva—where war is being weighed—this verse sets a clear boundary for righteous conduct: gratitude, protection of the vulnerable, and the duty to shelter the surrendered are non-negotiable restraints even amid political conflict.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Vidura teaches that dharma places firm limits on violence: Brahmins, cows, relatives, children, women, benefactors who provide one’s food, and anyone who seeks refuge are to be regarded as inviolable. The verse emphasizes gratitude and the sacred duty of protection, especially toward the vulnerable and the surrendered.
In Udyoga Parva, as tensions escalate toward the Kurukṣetra war, Vidura offers moral counsel (nīti) to restrain adharma. This verse functions as a normative reminder: even in political crisis, one must not cross certain ethical boundaries, particularly regarding dependents, benefactors, and those who surrender or seek shelter.