Shloka 18
धृतराष्ट्रस्य सत्कारः — Dhṛtarāṣṭra Honored in the Post-war Court
विहारयात्रासु पुन: कुरुराजो युधिष्ठिर: । सर्वान् कामान् महातेजा: प्रददावम्बिकासुते
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
vihārayātrāsu punaḥ kururājo yudhiṣṭhiraḥ |
sarvān kāmān mahātejāḥ pradadāv ambikāsute ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Again and again, on occasions of recreation and travel, Yudhiṣṭhira—the illustrious king of the Kurus—provided Ambikā’s son (Dhṛtarāṣṭra) with every comfort and all desired provisions. In this, Yudhiṣṭhira’s conduct reflects a deliberate ethic of care: honoring elders and sustaining their dignity even after the devastations of war.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even after conflict, dharma requires honoring elders and ensuring their welfare. Yudhiṣṭhira’s generosity toward Dhṛtarāṣṭra models restraint, compassion, and the king’s duty to protect the dignity of dependents and seniors.
In the Āśramavāsika context, the text describes Yudhiṣṭhira repeatedly arranging comforts for the blind elder-king Dhṛtarāṣṭra during outings and journeys, showing continued service and respectful care within the royal household.