Shloka 6
धृतराष्ट्रस्य सत्कारः — Dhṛtarāṣṭra Honored in the Post-war Court
पाण्डवा: सर्वकार्याणि सम्पृच्छन्ति सम त॑ नृपम् । चक्कुस्तेनाभ्यनुज्ञाता वर्षाणि दश पञच च
Pāṇḍavāḥ sarvakāryāṇi sampṛcchanti sma taṁ nṛpam | cakrus tenābhyanujñātā varṣāṇi daśa pañca ca ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The Pāṇḍavas would consult that king (Dhṛtarāṣṭra) in all matters of governance. Acting only with his permission, they carried out every undertaking; thus, for fifteen years they administered the kingdom.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even after gaining power, righteous rulers should honor elders and established authority, acting with restraint and consultation. The verse highlights ethical governance grounded in humility, accountability, and respect for dharma rather than mere victory.
In the aftermath of the great war, the Pāṇḍavas administer the kingdom but routinely seek Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s counsel and permission for state actions. This pattern continues for fifteen years, indicating a period of stable rule marked by deference to the senior Kuru king.