Shloka 20
न चैनानन्वबुध्यन्त नरा नगरवासिन: । अन्यत्र विदुरामात्यात् तस्मात् खनकसत्तमात्,विदुरके मन्त्री और खोदाईके काममें श्रेष्ठ उस खनकको छोड़कर नगरके निवासी भी पाण्डवोंके विषयमें कुछ नहीं जान पाते थे
na cainān anvabudhyanta narā nagaravāsinaḥ | anyatra vidurāmātyāt tasmāt khanakasattamāt ||
And the men dwelling in the city did not come to know about them (the Pāṇḍavas) at all—except for Vidura’s minister, that foremost of miners. Thus, apart from that expert digger engaged in the excavation, the townspeople remained unaware of the Pāṇḍavas’ situation, highlighting how secrecy and loyal service can protect the righteous in times of peril.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical power of loyal, discreet service: when dharma is threatened, trustworthy allies and careful secrecy can safeguard the righteous without drawing harm upon the wider public.
The city residents remain unaware of the Pāṇḍavas’ circumstances; only Vidura’s trusted agent—the expert miner involved in the digging—knows, indicating a covert operation kept hidden from the public.