Shloka 20
Droṇa–Vidura–Gāndhārī Counsel in the Royal Assembly (धर्मार्थयुक्ता सभा-उपदेश-प्रकरणम्)
प्रतिज्ञां दुष्करां कृत्वा पितुरर्थे कुलस्य च । अराजा चोध्वरिताश्व यथा सुविदितं तव । प्रतीतो निवसाम्येष प्रतिज्ञामनुपालयन्
pratijñāṁ duṣkarāṁ kṛtvā pitur arthe kulasya ca | arājā codhvaritāśva yathā suviditaṁ tava | pratīto nivasāmy eṣa pratijñām anupālayan |
Ayant pris un vœu difficile pour mon père et pour le bien de la lignée, je résolus de vivre sans royauté et comme ūrdhvaretaḥ (chaste pour la vie), ainsi que tu le sais parfaitement. Comprenant le désir secret de mon père — « que cette famille ne soit pas tranchée et que sa renommée s’étende toujours » — j’amenai ici Satyavatī (Kālī). Dans la sérénité, je demeure ici, fidèle à ce vœu.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as steadfastness to a difficult vow: personal sacrifice (renouncing kingship and embracing lifelong celibacy) undertaken for a higher responsibility—one’s father’s welfare and the continuity and honor of the lineage.
The speaker recalls making an arduous pledge to satisfy his father’s inner desire that the dynasty not perish and its fame increase; therefore he brought Satyavatī (also called Kālī) and continues to live contentedly while strictly maintaining that vow.