Shloka 26
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 178 — Royal Contestants Assemble; Cosmic Witnesses; The Bow Remains Unstrung
ततस्ते मोहमापन्ना राजानो नष्टदृष्टय: । ब्राह्मणीं शरणं जममुर्दृष्ट्यूर्थ तामनिन्दिताम्,फिर मोहके वशीभूत हो अपनी दृष्टिको खो देनेवाले क्षत्रियोंने पुनः दृष्टि प्राप्त करनेके लिये उसी सती-साध्वी ब्राह्मगीकी शरण ली
tatas te moham āpannā rājāno naṣṭa-dṛṣṭayaḥ | brāhmaṇīṁ śaraṇaṁ jagmur dṛṣṭy-artham tāṁ aninditām ||
Then those kings, overcome by delusion and having lost their sight, went for refuge to that blameless Brahmin woman, seeking to regain their vision. The episode underscores that when power is clouded by arrogance or confusion, restoration comes through humility and taking shelter of the righteous.
वसिष्ठ उवाच
Educational Q&A
Delusion and moral error can lead to loss—symbolized here by blindness—and recovery begins with humility: seeking refuge in the blameless and dharmic rather than persisting in pride or force.
A group of kings, having become deluded and losing their sight, approach a virtuous Brahmin woman for protection and help, specifically to regain their vision.