No one should act unrighteously

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Mahabharata Vanaparva Arjunaabhigamanaparva XXV

The Pandavas began to stay in Dvaitavana. Yudhistir, the just king, even in that distressed state, was was performing his dharma and was serving the Yatis and Munis (ascetics) of the forest by offering them fruits and roots. While they were enjoying their exile in forest, there comes an exalted visitor, who is old rishi (sage) Markandeya, possessor of brahma tejas. Yudhistir recieves him and pays homage to rishi Markandeya and offers him fruits and flowers. The sage sees the plight of Pandavas and Draupadi, and remembers the similar plight of Sri Rama and smiles with amusement. Yudhistir gets distressed by this smile and asks the sage, "Sir, all the rishis, munis were sorry for my plight, but you seem to enjoy my distress, may I know why you smiled?". 

Sage Markandeya replies "Hey Raja, I did not smile in glee at your plight or with joy. I remembered seeing Lord Sri Rama, who was valiant and equal in prowess to Indra, who was like Yama (Lord of Death) to foes, who has unmatched energy, and was undefeatable in war but had to roam in jungles and was in exile like you for honouring the words of his father. Nobody should be proud and say I am mighty and do whatever they like. One has to adhere to Dharma, the truth, honour and has to be humble and undergo difficulties like you and Lord Rama to uphold the word given. O Child, King Nabhaga and King Bhagiratha also were bound to Dharma and suffered many difficulties, hence no one should act unrighteously / adharmic ways and say I am mighty and I can do whatever I can. Lot of illustrious men upholded Dharma in their lives and endured sufferings while upholding dharma, no one should act unrighteously and say I am mighty and do whatever I can. The seven rishis also upheld dharma and never transgressed dharma, so no one should act unrighteously and say I am mighty and do whatever I want. The huge elephants of the jungle, even though they are mighty, yet they do not transgress their boundaries, so no one should act unrighteously and say I am mighty and do whatever I want. All the creatures created by the creator act within their limitations, so no one should act unrigheously and say I am mighty and do what I want. You have been upholding your dharma and honouring your word and you are staying in jungle along with your valiant brothers and queen. You are a just king. You will pass this calamity and will endure this exile and after completing this exile will again regain your glory and kingdom, do not grieve".

Sage Marakandeya having said these kind words to Yudhistir took leave of Pandavas, their priest Dhaumya and other munis, and ascetics left them and continued his journey towards northern direction.