Shloka 11
धृतराष्ट्रस्य वंशोपदेशः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Dynastic Counsel on Legitimate Rule
सिंहासनस्थो नृपतिर्धुतराष्ट्री महाबल: । अन्वास्यमान: सततं विदुरेण महात्मना
siṁhāsanastho nṛpatir dhṛtarāṣṭrī mahābalaḥ | anvāsyamānaḥ satataṁ vidureṇa mahātmanā ||
Vāyu disse: O poderoso rei Dhṛtarāṣṭra estava sentado em seu trono, e, a todo momento, o magnânimo Vidura permanecia junto dele, assistindo-o—imagem do conselho justo ao lado do poder num instante de grave consequência política e moral.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power (the king on the throne) is ethically incomplete without constant proximity to dharmic counsel (Vidura). The verse highlights the ideal that rulers should remain continually guided by wise, morally grounded advisors—especially when decisions can lead to widespread harm.
The scene is set in the Kuru court: Dhṛtarāṣṭra is enthroned, while Vidura stays near him in continual attendance. This frames the ensuing counsel and deliberations of the Udyoga Parva, where diplomacy, warnings, and moral arguments attempt to avert the coming war.