Shloka 6
त्रिवर्गमूलनिश्चयः — Determining the Roots of Dharma, Artha, and Kāma
Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 123
त॑ कदाचिददीनात्मा सखा शक्रस्य मानित: । अभ्यगच्छन्महीपालो मान्धाता शत्रुकर्शन:
taṁ kadācid adīnātmā sakhā śakrasya mānitaḥ | abhyagacchan mahīpālo māndhātā śatrukarśanaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Bhishma: Minsan, ang Haring Māndhātā—matatag ang loob at di natitinag, pinarangalan ni Śakra (Indra) bilang kaibigan at bantog sa pagdurog sa mga kaaway—ay lumapit upang humarap sa kanya. Ipinapakita ng pangyayaring ito na ang tunay na pagkahari ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa tagumpay sa digmaan, kundi sa paggalang ng mga diyos; sapagkat ang paghahari ay nakasalig sa tibay ng kalooban at matuwid na asal, kasabay ng lakas ng sandata.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ideal of rulership where inner resilience (adīnātman) and earned honour—even from divine authorities like Indra—signal dharmic excellence; power is validated by character and rightful conduct, not merely by conquest.
Bhishma introduces a scene in which the celebrated king Māndhātā, honoured as Indra’s friend and known as a subduer of enemies, goes to approach Śakra (Indra), setting up a dialogue or event involving divine counsel or recognition.