Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvitiya Skandha, Shloka 48
Daśa-lakṣaṇam: The Ten Topics, Virāṭ-Puruṣa Sense-Manifestation, and the Supreme Shelter (Āśraya)
शौनक उवाच यदाह नो भवान् सूत क्षत्ता भागवतोत्तम: । चचार तीर्थानि भुवस्त्यक्त्वा बन्धून् सुदुस्त्यजान् ॥ ४८ ॥
śaunaka uvāca yad āha no bhavān sūta kṣattā bhāgavatottamaḥ cacāra tīrthāni bhuvas tyaktvā bandhūn sudustyajān
Śaunaka Ṛṣi dit : Ô Sūta, tu nous as déjà raconté que Vidura, le plus éminent des bhāgavata (kṣattā), abandonna des proches si difficiles à quitter et parcourut les lieux de pèlerinage de la terre. C’est donc au sujet de Vidura que je m’enquiers à présent.
The ṛṣis headed by Śaunaka were more anxious to know about Vidura, who met Maitreya Ṛṣi while traveling to the pilgrimage sites of the world.
FAQs
This verse highlights Vidura as a bhāgavatottama who could leave even “very difficult to give up” family ties in order to pursue holy association and pilgrimage—showing that devotion may require prioritizing spiritual duty over attachment.
Śaunaka wants Sūta to recount the narrative he previously heard—specifically how Vidura, an exalted devotee, undertook pilgrimage after leaving his relatives—because Vidura’s conduct teaches renunciation and devotion.
One can practice Vidura’s spirit by reducing unhealthy attachments, making time for satsanga and sacred study, and regularly visiting or honoring tīrthas (holy places/holy practices) without neglecting one’s genuine responsibilities.