Shloka 19
Yogakṣema, Purohita, and the Mucukunda–Vaiśravaṇa Dialogue (योगक्षेम–पुरोहित–मुचुकुन्दवैश्रवणसंवादः)
भीष्म उवाच ततो वैश्रवणो राजा विस्मयं परमं ययौ । क्षत्रधर्मे स्थितं दृष्टवा मुचुकुन्दमसम्भ्रमम्
bhīṣma uvāca | tato vaiśravaṇo rājā vismayaṃ paramaṃ yayau | kṣatradharme sthitaṃ dṛṣṭvā mucukundam asambhramam ||
भीष्म उवाच— ततो वैश्रवणो राजा विस्मयं परमं ययौ। क्षत्रधर्मे स्थितं दृष्ट्वा मुचुकुन्दमसम्भ्रमम्॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that kshatriya-dharma is fulfilled through steadfastness and self-mastery: a ruler’s true strength is calm adherence to duty without panic or agitation, even when confronted by extraordinary beings or situations.
Bhishma narrates that Kubera (Vaishravana) becomes greatly astonished upon seeing King Mucukunda unwaveringly established in the warrior-king’s code, remaining composed and unflustered.