Shloka 84
आदि पर्व, अध्याय 67 — गान्धर्वविवाह-समयः
Duḥṣanta–Śakuntalā: Gandharva Marriage and Succession Condition
धृतराष्ट्र इति ख्यात: कृष्णद्वैपायनात्मज: । दीर्घबाहुर्महातेजा: प्रज्ञाचक्षुर्नराधिप:
dhṛtarāṣṭra iti khyātaḥ kṛṣṇadvaipāyanātmajaḥ | dīrghabāhur mahātejāḥ prajñācakṣur narādhipaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: He was renowned by the name Dhṛtarāṣṭra—son of Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana (Vyāsa). Long-armed and of great splendor, he was a king whose true sight was wisdom, even as his physical vision was absent.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts outer limitation with inner capacity: true leadership is grounded not merely in physical faculties but in prajñā (discernment). By calling Dhṛtarāṣṭra 'prajñācakṣuḥ', it highlights ethical kingship as rooted in insight and judgment.
Vaiśampāyana is introducing/characterizing Dhṛtarāṣṭra, identifying him by name and lineage as Vyāsa’s son, and describing his royal stature and notable qualities, setting context for the Kuru succession and the unfolding family history.