Shloka 24
धृतराष्ट्र-सत्कारः तथा श्राद्ध-दाने नियमनम् | Honoring Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Regulating Śrāddha-Gifts
ब्राह्मणानां यथावृत्त: क्षत्रियाणां यथाविध:,विपरीतकश्न मे शत्रुर्नियम्यश्न भवेन्नर: । राजा युधिष्ठिर बड़े दयालु थे। वे सदा प्रसन्न रहकर अपने भाइयों और मन्त्रियोंसे कहा करते थे कि “ये राजा धृतराष्ट्र मेरे और आपलोगोंके माननीय हैं। जो इनकी आज्ञाके अधीन रहता है, वही मेरा सुहृद् है। विपरीत आचरण करनेवाला मेरा शत्रु है। वह मेरे दण्डका भागी होगा
vaiśampāyana uvāca | brāhmaṇānāṃ yathāvṛttaḥ kṣatriyāṇāṃ yathāvidhiḥ | viparītakaś ca me śatrur niyamyaś ca bhaven naraḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “One should act toward brāhmaṇas according to proper established conduct, and toward kṣatriyas according to the rule of their station. Any man who behaves contrary to this is my enemy; but the one who restrains himself and remains under discipline becomes acceptable (as one aligned with me).” In context, Yudhiṣṭhira is portrayed as compassionate and steady-minded, instructing his brothers and ministers that Dhṛtarāṣṭra is worthy of honor and that loyalty to his command is a mark of friendship, while defiance is punishable.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes dharma as role-appropriate conduct: treat brāhmaṇas according to established respectful norms and kṣatriyas according to prescribed rule; self-restraint and disciplined obedience align one with righteous governance, while contrary conduct makes one an adversary liable to correction.
In the Āśramavāsika setting, Yudhiṣṭhira is depicted guiding his court: Dhṛtarāṣṭra is to be honored, and those who remain under rightful command and discipline are regarded as friends, whereas those who act in opposition are treated as enemies subject to punishment.