Shloka 49
Bhīṣmadeva’s Passing Away in the Presence of Lord Kṛṣṇa
पित्रा चानुमतो राजा वासुदेवानुमोदित: । चकार राज्यं धर्मेण पितृपैतामहं विभु: ॥ ४९ ॥
pitrā cānumato rājā vāsudevānumoditaḥ cakāra rājyaṁ dharmeṇa pitṛ-paitāmahaṁ vibhuḥ
പിതാവിന്റെ അനുമതിയോടെയും വാസുദേവൻ ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണന്റെ അംഗീകാരത്തോടെയും ധർമ്മനിഷ്ഠനായ മഹാരാജ യുദ്ധിഷ്ഠിരൻ പിതൃ‑പൈതാമഹ രാജ്യം രാജധർമ്മപ്രകാരം ഭരിച്ചു.
Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira was not a mere tax collector. He was always conscious of his duty as a king, which is no less than that of a father or spiritual master. The king is to see to the welfare of the citizens from all angles of social, political, economic and spiritual upliftment. The king must know that human life is meant for liberating the encaged soul from the bondage of material conditions, and therefore his duty is to see that the citizens are properly looked after to attain this highest stage of perfection.
FAQs
This verse says a true king rules dharmically—upholding inherited righteous standards—especially when guided by elders and sanctioned by Lord Kṛṣṇa (Vāsudeva).
Because Kṛṣṇa’s endorsement signifies divine alignment: the ruler’s authority is not merely political but meant to protect dharma and the Lord’s devotees after the war.
Lead with ethical duty: seek wise counsel, act within moral principles, and use authority—at home, work, or society—to protect others and uphold integrity.