Shloka 9
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Śrāddha Request and Bhīma’s Objection (Āśramavāsika-parva, Adhyāya 17)
इत्युक्ता सौबलेयी तु राज्ञा कुन्तीमुवाच ह | तत् सर्व राजवचनं स्वं च वाक्यं विशेषवत्
ity uktā saubaleyī tu rājñā kuntīm uvāca ha | tat sarva rājavacanaṃ svaṃ ca vākyaṃ viśeṣavat ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Thus addressed, Saubaleyī (Gāndhārī) spoke to Kuntī on the king’s behalf. She conveyed in full the king’s message, and added her own words as well—pressing the matter with particular emphasis, urging Kuntī to return.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma as attentive responsiveness to rightful authority and counsel: an elder’s directive is conveyed faithfully, and persuasion is applied to guide another toward what is perceived as proper conduct—especially in a phase of life oriented toward withdrawal, restraint, and collective responsibility.
After being addressed, Gāndhārī (Saubaleyī) speaks to Kuntī, relaying Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s message in full and adding her own emphatic appeal, urging Kuntī to comply—specifically, to return, aligning herself with the king’s decision and the elders’ course.