Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 19
भीष्मस्योत्तरायणप्रतीक्षा तथा युधिष्ठिरागमनम् | Bhīṣma’s uttarāyaṇa moment and Yudhiṣṭhira’s arrival
क्षमावांश्वानहंवादी ब्रह्मण्यो ब्रह्मनायक: । भयहर्ता भयारतनां मित्राणां नन्दिवर्धन:
kṣamāvāñ śvān ahaṃvādī brahmaṇyo brahmanāyakaḥ | bhayahartā bhayārtānāṃ mitrāṇāṃ nandivardhanaḥ ||
Wika ng Panginoon: “Siya’y matiisin at mapagpatawad, walang pagmamataas at walang pag-aangkin ng sarili; deboto sa mga Brahmin at pinuno sa mga nakakabatid sa Brahman. Inaalis niya ang takot ng mga pinahihirapan ng pangamba, at pinadadakila niya ang galak at pananalig ng kanyang mga kaibigan.”
ईश्वर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises an ideal protector-leader defined by inner virtues: forgiveness, humility (absence of ego), reverence for sacred learning and Brahmins, and the ethical duty to remove fear from the distressed while nurturing the happiness of allies and friends.
Īśvara is describing the qualities of an exemplary figure (a dharmic protector), listing moral and social virtues that mark one worthy of trust—especially the capacity to dispel fear in the fearful and to strengthen the morale and joy of companions.