Shloka 9
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Public Request for Consent to Enter the Forest (अनुज्ञा-प्रार्थना)
आज्ञापय किमेतेभ्य: प्रदायं दीयतामिति । तदुपस्थितमेवात्र वचनान्ते ददुस्तदा
ājñāpaya kim etebhyaḥ pradāyaṃ dīyatām iti | tad upasthitam evātra vacanānte dadus tadā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Command what gift should be given to these petitioners.” Thus they kept asking. And since all the required provisions were already at hand, the attendants would, the moment his word ended, immediately bestow the charity then and there.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dāna as a lived form of dharma: charity should be prompt, orderly, and free from delay or negligence. Ethical giving is shown not only in intention but also in efficient execution—resources are kept ready and gifts are delivered immediately upon instruction.
Attendants repeatedly ask what should be given to those who have come seeking aid. Because the supplies are already prepared, they distribute the gifts instantly as soon as the instruction is spoken, showing a disciplined system of charitable administration.