Shloka 2
Hiḍimbā’s Account and the Bhīma–Hiḍimba Engagement (आदि पर्व, अध्याय १४२)
धृतराष्ट्रो द्विधाचित्त: शोकार्त: समपद्यत । दुर्योधनश्व॒ कर्णश्न शकुनि: सौबलस्तथा,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--राजन्! अपने पुत्रकी यह बात सुनकर तथा कणिकके उन वचानोंका स्मरण करके प्रज्ञाचक्षु महाराज धृतराष्ट्रका चित्त सब प्रकारसे दुविधामें पड़ गया। वे शोकसे आतुर हो गये। दुर्योधन, कर्ण, सुबलपुत्र शकुनि तथा चौथे दुःशासन इन सबने एक जगह बैठकर सलाह की; फिर राजा दुर्योधनने धृतराष्ट्रसे कहा--
Vaiśampāyana uvāca — dhṛtarāṣṭro dvidhācittaḥ śokārtaḥ samapadyata | duryodhanaś ca karṇaś ca śakuniḥ saubalastathā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Hearing his son’s words and recalling Kaṇika’s counsel, King Dhṛtarāṣṭra—though possessed of insight—fell into a profound inner conflict and was overcome by grief. Meanwhile Duryodhana, Karṇa, and Śakuni the son of Subala gathered together to deliberate, setting in motion the next step in their scheme.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical danger of a ruler’s inner division: when attachment to one’s own (especially one’s children) overrides clear judgment, grief and confusion arise, making one vulnerable to manipulative counsel and adharma-driven decisions.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra becomes mentally conflicted and sorrowful after hearing his son and recalling Kaṇika’s advice. At the same time, Duryodhana, Karṇa, and Śakuni (son of Subala) convene to plan their next move, preparing to influence the king.