Shloka 22
Droṇa–Vidura–Gāndhārī Counsel in the Royal Assembly (धर्मार्थयुक्ता सभा-उपदेश-प्रकरणम्)
स्वर्याते5हं पितरि तं स्वराज्ये संन्यवेशयम् । विचित्रवीर्य राजानं भृत्यो भूत्वा ह्धश्चर:
svaryāte'haṃ pitari taṃ svarājye saṃnyaveśayam | vicitravīrya-rājānaṃ bhṛtyo bhūtvā hṛdiścaraḥ ||
«Quand mon père fut monté au ciel, j’installai le roi Vichitravīrya sur mon propre royaume souverain. Puis, devenu son serviteur, je demeurai debout au-dessous du trône, réfrénant toute prétention et n’agissant que sur l’ordre du devoir.»
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Legitimate succession and social stability are protected when one restrains personal entitlement and serves the rightful ruler; dharma can require stepping down and supporting authority through loyal service.
After his father's death, the speaker says he placed Vicitravīrya on the throne of his own kingdom and then lived as Vicitravīrya’s attendant, standing below the royal seat rather than asserting his own sovereignty.