Mahabharata — Ashvamedhika Parva, Shloka 31
Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna Saṃvāda in Indraprastha: Consolation, Legitimation, and Leave for Dvārakā (आश्वमेधिकपर्व, अध्याय १५)
उपास्यमानो बहुभि: सिद्धैश्चवापि महात्मभि: । स्तूयमानश्न सततं वन्दिभिर्भरतर्षभ
upāsyamāno bahubhiḥ siddhaiś cāpi mahātmabhiḥ | stūyamānaś ca satataṁ vandibhir bharatarṣabha bharataśreṣṭha | dharmajño rājā yudhiṣṭhira idānīṁ dharmapūrvakaṁ sārāṁ pṛthivīṁ pālayatu ||
Sinabi ni Vāyu: “O toro sa mga Bharata, o pinakamainam sa lahing Bharata—pinararangalan ng maraming siddha at mga dakilang kaluluwa, at laging pinupuri ng mga bard—nawa’y ang haring nakaaalam ng dharma, si Yudhiṣṭhira, ay mamahala ngayon sa buong daigdig ayon sa katuwiran.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Legitimate kingship is grounded in dharma: even when a ruler is celebrated by sages and bards, the true measure of sovereignty is governing and protecting the earth in accordance with righteousness.
Vāyu offers a benediction and public affirmation: Yudhiṣṭhira, surrounded by revered Siddhas and praised by professional eulogists, is urged to assume (or continue) the burden of rule and maintain the realm through dharmic governance.