Shloka 20
Kṛṣṇa at Duryodhana’s House: Refusal of Hospitality and Departure to Vidura (कृष्णस्य धार्तराष्ट्रनिवेशनगमनम्)
शीलवृत्तोपसम्पन्नो धर्मज्ञ: सत्यसंगर: । राजा सर्वगुणोपेतस्त्रैलेक्यस्यापि यो भवेत्
śīlavṛttopasampanno dharmajñaḥ satyasaṅgaraḥ | rājā sarvaguṇopetas trailokyasyāpi yo bhavet ||
वैशम्पायन बोले—जो शील और सदाचार से सम्पन्न, धर्म का ज्ञाता और सत्य में अडिग हो, ऐसा सर्वगुणसम्पन्न राजा केवल इस पृथ्वी का ही नहीं, अपितु तीनों लोकों का भी शासन करने योग्य होता है।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse defines the ethical ideal of kingship: a ruler should be grounded in character and disciplined conduct, understand dharma, and remain unwavering in truth; such integrity is presented as the basis of legitimate sovereignty.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war context, the narration praises the qualities of an exemplary king, setting a moral benchmark for leadership and implicitly framing the worthiness of a righteous claimant to rule.