Shloka 96
धृतराष्ट्रस्य युधिष्ठिरं प्रति व्यवहार-रक्षा-नियमनोपदेशः | Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Instruction on Administration, Punishment, and Daily Governance
दातुमिच्छति सर्वेषां सुहृदामौर्ध्वदेहिकम् । 'भैया भीम! राजा धृतराष्ट्र हमारे ताऊ और वृद्ध पुरुष हैं। इस समय वे वनवासकी दीक्षा ले चुके हैं और जानेके पहले वे भीष्म आदि समस्त सुहृदोंका और्ध्वदेहिक श्राद्ध कर लेना चाहते हैं
dātum icchati sarveṣāṁ suhṛdām aurdhvadehikam |
Vaiśampāyana said: Dhṛtarāṣṭra, wishing to depart after taking up the forest-dweller’s vow, desires to perform and offer the aurdhvadehika rites for all his well-wishing kin—funeral and post-cremation śrāddha offerings that honor the dead and discharge one’s obligations to elders and companions.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even at the threshold of renunciation, dharma includes completing one’s obligations—especially honoring the departed through prescribed rites. The verse highlights ethical continuity: withdrawal from worldly life should be accompanied by gratitude, remembrance, and responsible closure.
Vaiśampāyana reports that Dhṛtarāṣṭra, having undertaken the forest-dweller discipline, wishes to perform the aurdhvadehika śrāddha offerings for all his well-wishers—signaling a final act of duty and reconciliation before leaving for the forest.