Shloka 18
Adharma’s Short-Lived Prosperity and the Restorative Path of Tīrtha (लोमश–युधिष्ठिर संवादः)
वैशम्पायन उवाच गमने कृतबुद्धि तु पाण्डवं लोमशो<ब्रवीत् | लघुर्भव महाराज लघु: स्वैरं गमिष्यसि,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--जनमेजय! तीर्थयात्राके लिये जिन्होंने निश्चित विचार कर लिया था, उन पाण्डु-नन्दन युधिष्ठिरसे महर्षि लोमशने कहा--“महाराज! लोकसमूहसे आप हलके हो जाइये--थोड़े ही लोगोंको साथ रखिये; क्योंकि थोड़े संगी-साथी होनेपर आप इच्छानुसार सर्वत्र जा सकेंगे
vaiśampāyana uvāca | gamane kṛtabuddhiṃ tu pāṇḍavaṃ lomaśo 'bravīt | laghur bhava mahārāja laghuḥ svairaṃ gamiṣyasi ||
Vaiśampāyana said: When the Pāṇḍava had firmly resolved to set out on the journey, the sage Lomaśa spoke to him: “O great king, travel light—reduce the crowd around you and keep only a few companions; for when you are unburdened, you will be able to move about freely wherever you wish.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches practical restraint: even a king should reduce excess entourage and possessions when pursuing a dharmic goal like pilgrimage. Simplicity increases freedom of movement and reduces social burden, aligning action with purpose.
As Yudhiṣṭhira has decided to depart for a tīrtha-yātrā, the sage Lomaśa advises him to keep a small retinue. Vaiśampāyana narrates this counsel to King Janamejaya.