Shloka 54
Kṛṣṇa at Duryodhana’s House: Refusal of Hospitality and Departure to Vidura (कृष्णस्य धार्तराष्ट्रनिवेशनगमनम्)
तस्य कृष्ण महाबुद्धेर्गम्भीरस्य महात्मन: । क्षत्तु: शीलमलंकारो लोकानू् विष्टभ्य तिष्ठति,“श्रीकृष्ण! परम बुद्धिमान् गम्भीरस्वभाव महात्मा विदुरका शील ही आभूषण है, जो सम्पूर्ण लोकोंको व्याप्त (विख्यात) करके स्थित है!
tasya kṛṣṇa mahābuddher gambhīrasya mahātmanaḥ | kṣattuḥ śīlam alaṅkāro lokān viṣṭabhya tiṣṭhati ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O Kṛṣṇa, the conduct of that great-souled Vidura—of profound nature and exceptional intelligence—is itself his ornament; it stands firm, pervading and supporting the worlds, renowned everywhere.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
True ornament is not external display but śīla—steadfast ethical conduct. Vidura’s moral character is portrayed as universally sustaining and widely renowned, implying that virtue itself upholds social order.
Vaiśampāyana addresses Kṛṣṇa while describing Vidura (the kṣattṛ and counsellor). He highlights Vidura’s profound intelligence and gravity, emphasizing that his conduct is his greatest adornment and is celebrated throughout the world.