Shloka 17
राजधर्मप्रश्नः — Yudhiṣṭhira’s Inquiry into Rājadharma (Śānti-parva 56)
न हि सत्यादृते किंचिद् राज्ञां वै सिद्धिकारकम् | सत्ये हि राजा निरत: प्रेत्य चेह च नन्दति,सत्यके सिवा दूसरी कोई वस्तु राजाओंके लिये सिद्धिकारक नहीं है। सत्यपरायण राजा इहलोक और परलोकमें भी सुख पाता है
na hi satyād ṛte kiñcid rājñāṃ vai siddhikārakam | satye hi rājā nirataḥ pretya ceha ca nandati ||
Bhishma dit : « Pour les rois, rien n’apporte de véritable accomplissement en dehors de la vérité. Le souverain voué à la vérité se réjouit ici-bas comme après la mort. »
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that for a ruler, truthfulness is the primary cause of real success (siddhi). A king grounded in satya gains welfare and joy both in worldly life and in the hereafter, because truth sustains trust, justice, and dharmic authority.
In the Shanti Parva, Bhishma instructs Yudhishthira on rajadharma (the duties of kings) after the war. This verse emphasizes that among royal virtues, unwavering commitment to truth is indispensable for legitimate rule and enduring prosperity.