Shloka 18
Kṣātra-Dharma, Daṇḍanīti, and Social Order
Indra–Māndhātṛ Dialogue
सत्ये स्थितो धर्मपरो जितेन्द्रिय: शूरो दृढ्प्रीतिरत: सुराणाम् । बुद्धा भक््त्या चोत्तमश्रद्धया च ततस्ते5हं दक्मि वरान् यथेष्टम्,नरेश्वर! तुम सत्यनिष्ठ, धर्मपरायण, जितेन्द्रिय और शुरवीर हो, देवताओंके प्रति अविचल प्रेमभाव रखते हो, तुम्हारी बुद्धि, भक्ति और उत्तम श्रद्धासे संतुष्ट होकर मैं तुम्हें इच्छानुसार वर दे रहा हूँ
satyē sthito dharmaparo jitendriyaḥ śūro dṛḍhaprītirataḥ surāṇām | buddhā bhaktyā cottamaśraddhayā ca tataste 'haṃ dadāmi varān yatheṣṭam, nareśvara |
सत्ये स्थितो धर्मपरो जितेन्द्रियः शूरो दृढप्रीतिरतः सुराणाम् । बुद्ध्या भक्त्या चोत्तमश्रद्धया च ततोऽहं ते दद्मि वरान्यथेष्टम् ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises a ruler’s ethical qualifications—truthfulness, commitment to dharma, mastery over the senses, courage, and devotion—implying that inner discipline and faith are the grounds for legitimate honor and reward (here, the granting of boons).
Bhishma addresses a king, commending his virtues and stating that, being satisfied with the king’s discernment, devotion, and faith, he will grant him boons according to his wish.