Mahabharata — Ashvamedhika Parva, Shloka 31
Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna Saṃvāda in Indraprastha: Consolation, Legitimation, and Leave for Dvārakā (आश्वमेधिकपर्व, अध्याय १५)
उपास्यमानो बहुभि: सिद्धैश्चवापि महात्मभि: । स्तूयमानश्न सततं वन्दिभिर्भरतर्षभ
upāsyamāno bahubhiḥ siddhaiś cāpi mahātmabhiḥ | stūyamānaś ca satataṁ vandibhir bharatarṣabha bharataśreṣṭha | dharmajño rājā yudhiṣṭhira idānīṁ dharmapūrvakaṁ sārāṁ pṛthivīṁ pālayatu ||
हे भरतर्षभ! बहुत-से सिद्ध और महात्मा जिनकी उपासना करते हैं, तथा वन्दीजन जिनकी सदा स्तुति करते हैं—ऐसे धर्मज्ञ राजा युधिष्ठिर अब धर्मपूर्वक सारी पृथ्वी का पालन करें।
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Legitimate kingship is grounded in dharma: even when a ruler is celebrated by sages and bards, the true measure of sovereignty is governing and protecting the earth in accordance with righteousness.
Vāyu offers a benediction and public affirmation: Yudhiṣṭhira, surrounded by revered Siddhas and praised by professional eulogists, is urged to assume (or continue) the burden of rule and maintain the realm through dharmic governance.