Shloka 8
धृतराष्ट्रोपदेशः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Instruction on Rājadharma and Bala
एवं प्रायो हि धर्मो<यं क्षत्रियाणां नराधिप । युद्धे क्षत्रियधर्मे च निरतो5यं वृकोदर:
evaṃ prāyo hi dharmo 'yaṃ kṣatriyāṇāṃ narādhipa | yuddhe kṣatriyadharme ca nirato 'yaṃ vṛkodaraḥ ||
வைசம்பாயனர் கூறினார்—மனிதர்களின் அதிபதியே! பெரும்பாலும் க்ஷத்திரியரின் தர்மம் இவ்வாறே. இந்த வ்ருகோதரன் போரிலும் க்ஷத்திரிய தர்மத்திலும் முழுமையாக ஈடுபட்டவன்।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames warfare and steadfast engagement in the warrior code as a typical (prāyaḥ) feature of Kṣatriya-dharma, suggesting that a Kṣatriya’s ethical duty is often expressed through readiness for battle and adherence to martial obligations.
Vaiśampāyana explains to a kingly listener that Vṛkodara (Bhīma) is naturally and consistently devoted to battle and the Kṣatriya code, presenting Bhīma’s warlike disposition as aligned with the expected duty of his social role.