Shloka 38
Droṇa–Vidura–Gāndhārī Counsel in the Royal Assembly (धर्मार्थयुक्ता सभा-उपदेश-प्रकरणम्)
अपत्यार्थ महाराज प्रसाद कृतवांश्व सः । त्रीन् स पुत्रानजनयत् तदा भरतसत्तम
apatyārtha mahārāja prasādaṁ kṛtavān saḥ | trīn sa putrān ajanayat tadā bharatasattama ||
Bhishma sprach: „O großer König, um Nachkommenschaft zu sichern, erwies er seine Gunst. Dann, o Bester der Bharatas, zeugte er drei Söhne.“
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rajadharma and kula-dharma: preserving the continuity of the royal line is treated as a grave responsibility. Even uncomfortable measures, when undertaken with proper intent and sanction, are framed as duty aimed at social and political stability.
Bhishma recounts arranging for Vyasa to be pleased and requested to beget heirs through his brother’s wives. As a result, three sons are born—understood in the larger episode as Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura—ensuring the continuation of the Kuru dynasty.