Shloka 28
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 148: Vāsudeva’s Report—Mobilization and the Nīti Sequence
Sāma–Bheda–Daṇḍa
बाह्लीकेन त्वनुज्ञात: शान्तनुलोकविश्रुत: । पितर्युपरते राजन् राजा राज्यमकारयत्,“राजन! तदनन्तर पिताकी मृत्यु होनेके पश्चात् बान्नीककी आज्ञा लेकर लोकविख्यात राजा शान्तनुने राज्यका शासन किया
bāhlīkena tv anujñātaḥ śāntanur lokaviśrutaḥ | pitary uparate rājan rājā rājyam akārayat ||
बाह्लीकेन त्वनुज्ञातः शान्तनुर्लोकविश्रुतः । पितर्युपरते राजन् राजा राज्यमकारयत् ॥
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Legitimate rule is grounded in dharma: succession should follow established norms, honoring elders and obtaining proper authorization rather than seizing power. The verse highlights ethical kingship—rule that is publicly accountable and sanctioned.
Vāyudeva recounts that after Śāntanu’s father died, Śāntanu—already famed among people—received Bāhlīka’s consent and then took up the administration of the kingdom, establishing rightful governance.