Shloka 18
Bhāgīrathī-tīra-śauca, Kurukṣetra-gamana, and Śatayūpa-āśrama-dīkṣā (गङ्गातीरशौच–कुरुक्षेत्रगमन–शतयूपाश्रमदीक्षा)
इत्येवं ब्रुवतस्तस्य जटी वीटामुख: कृश: । दिग्वासा मलदिग्धाड़री वनरेणुसमुक्षित:
ity evaṁ bruvatas tasya jaṭī vīṭāmukhaḥ kṛśaḥ | digvāsā maladigdhāṅgo vanareṇusamukṣitaḥ |
Habang nagsasalita siya nang gayon, mula sa malayo ay namataan ang isang payat na asetiko—buhok na nakabuhol na parang jata, may bukol na tila bato sa bibig, hubad sa apat na panig (digvāsā), ang mga kamay at paa’y pahid ng dumi at balot ng alikabok ng gubat. Naiparating kay Haring Yudhiṣṭhira ang balita ng kanyang pagdating. Ngunit si Vidura, matapos sulyapan ang ermitanyo, ay biglang tumalikod at umurong—isang kilos ng mahigpit na pagpipigil ng taong tumalikod na sa pagkakakilanlang panlipunan at naghahangad ng panloob na katatagan kaysa pagkilala.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights vairāgya (detachment) expressed through austere discipline: Vidura’s outward abandonment of comfort and social markers, and his turning back from the hermitage, underscore restraint, non-attachment to honor or welcome, and a dharmic focus on inner realization rather than public recognition.
While Dhṛtarāṣṭra is speaking, Vidura appears from afar in a severe ascetic state—matted hair, emaciated, naked, dust-covered, with a lump/stone-like object in his mouth suggesting a vow of silence. Yudhiṣṭhira is informed, but Vidura, after looking toward the hermitage, abruptly turns back and withdraws.