Shloka 1
Śakra–Śambara Saṃvāda: Brāhmaṇa-sevā, Anasūyā, and Vāg-bala (शक्रशम्बरसंवादः)
अपने-आप बछ। आर: त्रयस्त्रिंशो5 ध्याय: ब्राह्मणके महत्त्वका वर्णन युधिछिर उवाच कि राज्ञ: सर्वकृत्यानां गरीय: स्यात् पितामह । कुर्वन् कि कर्म नृपतिरुभी लोकौ समश्लुते
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca | kiṁ rājñaḥ sarvakṛtyānāṁ garīyaḥ syāt pitāmaha | kurvan kiṁ karma nṛpatir ubhau lokau samaśnute ||
尤提施提罗说道：“祖父啊，在国王的一切职责之中，哪一项最为沉重、最为至要？君主行何等之业，方能在此世与彼世两界皆得安乐？”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames a central inquiry of rājadharma: among a ruler’s many responsibilities, there is a supreme duty whose faithful performance brings welfare in both this life and the next. It sets up Bhīṣma’s instruction on prioritizing dharma in governance.
In the Anuśāsana Parva, Yudhiṣṭhira, seeking guidance after the war, questions the elder Bhīṣma (Pitāmaha) about the most important royal duty—asking which action ensures prosperity and spiritual good in both worlds.