Shloka 2
Adharma’s Short-Lived Prosperity and the Restorative Path of Tīrtha (लोमश–युधिष्ठिर संवादः)
त्वं हि धर्मान् परान् वेत्थ तपांसि च तपोधन । श्रीमतां चापि जानासि धर्म राज्ञां सनातनम्,लोमश मुनि कहते हैं--युधिष्ठिर! जब मैं आने लगा, तब अर्जुनने भी मुझसे जो बात कही थी, वह सुनो। वे बोले--'तपोधन! आप मेरे बड़े भैया युधिष्ठिरको धर्मानुकूल राजलक्ष्मीसे संयुक्त कीजिये। आप उत्कृष्ट धर्मों और तपस्याओंको जानते हैं। श्रीसम्पन्न राजाओंका जो सनातनधर्म है, उसका भी आपको पूर्ण ज्ञान है
tvaṁ hi dharmān parān vettha tapāṁsi ca tapodhana | śrīmatāṁ cāpi jānāsi dharma rājñāṁ sanātanam ||
Lomaśa said: “O ascetic rich in austerity, you truly know the highest forms of dharma and the disciplines of tapas. You also understand the timeless code of conduct that belongs to prosperous kings.”
लोमश उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse affirms that true guidance for rulers requires mastery of both higher dharma and tapas, and knowledge of the enduring royal code (rājadharma) that sustains prosperity and legitimacy.
Lomaśa addresses an ascetic figure, praising his expertise in dharma, austerities, and the ancient duties of kings—setting up the authority of counsel relevant to righteous governance.