Shloka 16
Virāṭanagara-nivāsa-nirṇaya
Decision to Reside in Virāṭa’s City
अवश्यं त्वेव वासार्थ रमणीयं शिवं सुखम् । सम्मन्त्रय सहितै: सर्वर्वस्तव्यमकुतो भयै:
avaśyaṃ tveva vāsārthaṃ ramaṇīyaṃ śivaṃ sukham | sammantraya sahitaiḥ sarvair vastavyam akuto-bhayaiḥ ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Indeed, we must certainly secure a dwelling-place—one that is delightful, auspicious, and comfortable. Therefore, after consulting together with all our companions, we should choose a place to live where we may stay without fear.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
A leader should combine necessity with discernment: even when a stay is unavoidable, one must choose an auspicious and safe place through collective counsel, prioritizing welfare and fearlessness for all.
At the outset of the Virāṭa Parva, Yudhiṣṭhira speaks to his companions about the need to find a suitable residence; he urges them to deliberate together and select a pleasant, auspicious, and secure place where they can live without fear.