Shloka 8
Āṇīmāṇḍavya–Upākhyāna
The Account of Āṇīmāṇḍavya and the Birth of Vidura
वीतशोकभयाबाधा: सुखस्वप्ननिबोधना: । पति भारत गोप्तारं समपद्यन्त भूमिपा:,जनमेजय! जब सब राजाओंने शान्तनुको अपना स्वामी तथा रक्षक बना लिया, तब किसीको शोक, भय और मानसिक संताप नहीं रहा। सब लोग सुखसे सोने और जागने लगे
vītaśokabhayābādhāḥ sukhasvapnanibodhanāḥ | patiṃ bhārata goptāraṃ samapadyanta bhūmipāḥ, janamejaya |
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Oh Janamejaya, cuando los reyes aceptaron a Śāntanu como su señor y protector de los Bhāratas, quedaron libres de pena, temor y aflicción mental. Entonces la gente dormía y despertaba con sosiego, como si hasta sus sueños fueran auspiciosos—señal de la paz que nace cuando se establece una protección justa.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic principle of kingship: when a legitimate and protective ruler is accepted, society becomes free from fear and distress. Good governance is measured by the subjects’ security and peace of mind—symbolized by sleeping and waking in comfort.
Vaiśampāyana tells Janamejaya that the regional kings acknowledged Śāntanu as their lord and guardian. With his protection established, public life stabilized and people experienced relief from grief, fear, and mental agitation.