Shloka 12
Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna Saṃvāda in Indraprastha: Consolation, Legitimation, and Leave for Dvārakā (आश्वमेधिकपर्व, अध्याय १५)
वायुदेव उवाच विजितेयं धरा कृत्स्ना सव्यसाचिन् परंतप । त्वद्वाहुबलमाश्रित्य राज्ञा धर्मसुतेन ह
vāyudeva uvāca vijiteyaṃ dharā kṛtsnā savyasācin paraṃtapa | tvadbāhubalam āśritya rājñā dharmasutena ha ||
Vāyudeva said: “O Savyasācin, scorcher of foes, this entire earth has been conquered—indeed—by King Dharmasuta, relying upon the strength of your arms. Your prowess has upheld his righteous sovereignty, showing how power, when allied to dharma, secures rightful rule.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal that political success and sovereignty are best secured when righteous kingship (Yudhiṣṭhira as Dharmasuta) is supported by disciplined strength (Arjuna’s bāhubala). Power is praised not as mere domination, but as an instrument that upholds dharma when aligned with a just ruler.
Vāyudeva addresses Arjuna, praising him as the decisive support behind Yudhiṣṭhira’s conquest and consolidation of rule over the earth. The statement credits the king’s victory to Arjuna’s martial strength, emphasizing Arjuna’s role as protector and enabler of Dharmasuta’s reign.