Shloka 18
उद्योगपर्व — विदुरोक्तिः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra Addressed on Sincerity, Hospitality, and Settlement
महाध्वजपताकाश्ष क्रियन्तां सर्वतो दिश: | जलावसिक्तो विरजा: पन्थास्तस्येति चान्वशात्
dhṛtarāṣṭra uvāca | mahādhvaja-patākāś ca kriyantāṃ sarvato diśaḥ | jalāvasikto virajaḥ panthās tasya iti cānvāśat |
Dhṛtarāṣṭra dit : «Qu’on dresse de grands étendards et des bannières en toutes directions. Et que la voie royale par laquelle vient Śrī Kṛṣṇa soit aspergée d’eau et rendue sans poussière.» Ainsi le roi donna son ordre.
धृतराष्ट उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid looming conflict, dharma requires honoring a guest and envoy with proper respect. External acts of welcome—clean roads, public standards—reflect the ideal of righteous conduct, though the narrative also invites reflection on the gap between ceremonial propriety and inner ethical resolve.
King Dhṛtarāṣṭra issues instructions to prepare the city for Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s arrival: raise large banners and flags everywhere and sprinkle the main road with water to remove dust, signaling an official reception for Kṛṣṇa as he comes in a diplomatic role.