Shloka 1
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 147 — Kanyā-paridevita
The daughter’s lament on lineage and protection
अपना बा अर: षट्चत्वारिशर्दाधेिकशततमो< ध्याय: विदुरके भेजे हुए खनकद्दारा लाक्षागृहमें सुरंगका निर्माण वैशम्पायन उवाच विदुरस्य सुहृत् कश्चित् खनकः कुशलो नर: । विविक्ते पाण्डवान् राजन्निदं वचनमब्रवीत्,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--जनमेजय! एक सुरंग खोदनेवाला मनुष्य विदुरजीका हितैषी एवं विश्वास-पात्र था। वह अपने काममें बड़ा चतुर था। एक दिन वह एकान्तमें पाण्डवोंसे मिला और इस प्रकार कहने लगा--
vaiśampāyana uvāca | vidurasya suhṛt kaścit khanakaḥ kuśalo naraḥ | vivikte pāṇḍavān rājann idaṃ vacanam abravīt |
Vaiśampāyana said: O King (Janamejaya), there was a certain miner—an able man—who was a well-wisher and trusted associate of Vidura. Meeting the Pāṇḍavas in private, he spoke these words to them. The scene underscores discreet counsel and protective strategy in the face of impending treachery.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical prudence: when confronted with unjust danger, protection through discreet, well-intentioned counsel is legitimate. Loyalty (suhṛt) and skill (kuśala) are presented as instruments of safeguarding dharma without needless confrontation.
A skilled miner who is loyal to Vidura meets the Pāṇḍavas privately and begins to speak to them. This sets up the covert plan connected with escaping the peril of the lac house by means of a tunnel.