Shloka 3
Akrūra in Hastināpura: Kuntī’s Lament and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Moral Instruction
यथावदुपसङ्गम्य बन्धुभिर्गान्दिनीसुत: । सम्पृष्टस्तै: सुहृद्वार्तां स्वयं चापृच्छदव्ययम् ॥ ३ ॥
yathāvad upasaṅgamya bandhubhir gāndinī-sutaḥ sampṛṣṭas taiḥ suhṛd-vārtāṁ svayaṁ cāpṛcchad avyayam
After Akrūra, the son of Gāndinī, had properly greeted his relatives, they inquired about news of their dear ones, and he in turn asked about their unfailing welfare.
FAQs
This verse shows Akrūra approaching his kinsmen “yathāvat”—in the fitting, respectful manner—and exchanging inquiries about everyone’s well-being, presenting social conduct as part of dharma.
Because Akrūra had come from significant events connected to the Yādavas, his family naturally asked for “suhṛd-vārtā”—news of their well-wishers—before other matters.
Meet people respectfully, ask sincerely about their welfare and the well-being of those they care about, and maintain steady composure—courtesy is also a form of devotion and dharma.