Shloka 16
बृहन्नडाप्रवेशः — Bṛhannadā’s Entry into Virāṭa’s Assembly
वैशाम्पायन उवाच तथा स राज्ञोडविदितो विशाम्पते- रुवास तत्रैव सुखं नरोत्तम: । न चैनमन्ये5पि विदु: कथंचन प्रादाच्च तस्मै भरणं यथेप्सितम्,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--इस प्रकार प्रजापालक राजा विराटसे अपरिचित रहकर नरश्रेष्ठ सहदेव वहीं गोशालामें रहने लगे। दूसरे लोग भी उन्हें किसी तरह पहचान न सके। राजाने उनके लिये उनकी इच्छाके अनुसार भरण-पोषणकी व्यवस्था कर दी
Vaiśaṃpāyana uvāca: tathā sa rājñā avijñāto viśāṃpateḥ ruvāsa tatraiva sukhaṃ narottamaḥ | na cainam anye 'pi viduḥ kathaṃcana pradād ca tasmai bharaṇaṃ yathepsitam ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Thus, remaining unrecognized by King Virāṭa, the best of men (Sahadeva) lived there comfortably. No one else could identify him in any way. The king arranged for his maintenance and support according to his wishes—upholding the duty of a ruler to provide for those under his protection, even without knowing their true identity.
वैशाम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rājadharma: a ruler’s duty is to provide protection and sustenance to those residing under his authority, even when their true identity is unknown. Ethical governance is shown through impartial care and proper maintenance.
During the incognito period, Sahadeva remains unrecognized in King Virāṭa’s realm and stays in the cowshed area. No one identifies him, and Virāṭa arranges his upkeep according to his stated needs.