Shloka 6
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
सर्वत्र प्रार्थ्यमानेन दुर्बलेन महाबलै: । एकेनैवासहायेन शक्यं स्थातुं भवेत् कथम्
sarvatra prārthyamānena durbalena mahābalaiḥ | ekenaivāsahāyena śakyaṃ sthātuṃ bhavet katham ||
ಯುಧಿಷ್ಠಿರನು ಹೇಳಿದನು— “ಅನೇಕ ಮಹಾಬಲಿಗಳು ಎಲ್ಲೆಡೆಯಿಂದ ದುರ್ಬಲ ರಾಜನನ್ನು ಸುತ್ತುವರಿದು ಕಬಳಿಸಲು ಸಿದ್ಧರಾಗಿರುವಾಗ, ಆ ಒಂಟಿ, ಸಹಾಯವಿಲ್ಲದ ನೃಪನು ಆ ಸ್ಥಿತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೇಗೆ ನಿಲ್ಲಬಲ್ಲನು?”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a political-ethical dilemma central to rājadharma: mere personal virtue is not enough for a ruler’s survival when confronted by predatory powers; protection of the weak requires practical supports—alliances, counsel, resources, and just strategy—so that dharma can be upheld in real conditions.
In Śānti Parva’s discussions on governance and duty after the war, Yudhiṣṭhira raises a pointed question: if many powerful kings converge to pressure and dispossess a weaker ruler, how can that solitary, allyless king withstand them? The question sets up instruction on prudent kingship and the means of safeguarding a realm.