Shloka 6
कुम्भकर्णवधः — Kumbhakarṇa’s Fall and the Renewal of the Engagement
यस्य ध्वजाग्रे नदतो मृदड़ौ नन्दोपनन्दौ मधुरौ युक्तरूपौ | एत॑ स्वधर्मार्थविनिश्चयज्ञं सदा जना: कृत्यवन्तो$नुयान्ति,जिनकी ध्वजाके सिरेपर बँधे हुए नन्द और उपनन्द नामक दो सुन्दर मृदंग मधुर स्वरमें बज रहे हैं, जिनका शरीर जाम्बूनद सुवर्णके समान विशुद्ध गौरवर्णका है, जिनकी नासिका ऊँची और नेत्र बड़े-बड़े हैं, जो देखनेमें दुबले-पतले हैं, कुरुकुलके इन श्रेष्ठतम पुरुषको ही धर्मनन्दन युधिष्ठिर कहते हैं। ये मेरे पति हैं। ये अपने धर्म और अर्थके सिद्धान्तको अच्छी तरह जानते हैं; अतः आवश्यकता पड़नेपर लोग इनका सदा अनुसरण करते हैं
yasya dhvajāgre nadato mṛdaṅgau nandopanandau madhurau yuktarūpau | etaṁ svadharmārthaviniścayajñaṁ sadā janāḥ kṛtyavanto 'nuyānti ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “At the tip of whose banner two kettledrums—Nanda and Upananda—sound out sweetly, well-tuned and fair in form; that man, who knows how to determine what is right (dharma) and what is beneficial (artha), is followed by capable people whenever duty calls.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
True leadership is marked by clear discernment of dharma (right duty) and artha (practical good). Such a person becomes a reliable guide, so that responsible people naturally follow him when action is required.
The verse describes a distinguished figure whose royal standard is adorned with two named drums, Nanda and Upananda, sounding auspiciously. The description underscores his public authority and, more importantly, his reputation for decisive judgment in matters of duty and welfare, which draws followers in times of need.