Shloka 176
धृतराष्ट्र-सत्कारः तथा श्राद्ध-दाने नियमनम् | Honoring Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Regulating Śrāddha-Gifts
वैचित्रवीर्ये नूपती समाचरत वीर्यवान् । पराक्रमी कुरुकुलतिलक राजा युधिष्ठछिर महाराज धृतराष्ट्रका सदा प्रिय ही करते थे, अप्रिय नहीं करते थे
vaicitryavīrye nṛpatiḥ samācarat vīryavān | parākrāmī kurukulatilakaḥ rājā yudhiṣṭhiraḥ mahārāja dhṛtarāṣṭrasya sadā priyaṃ hi cakāra, apriyaṃ na cakāra |
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: The mighty and valorous Yudhiṣṭhira—an ornament of the Kuru line—conducted himself with exemplary strength and restraint. Toward the great king Dhṛtarāṣṭra he consistently did what was pleasing, never what was displeasing—thus embodying dutiful regard for an elder even amid the burdens of kingship.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in the form of respectful, elder-centered conduct: a righteous king should consistently act in ways that honor and please elders (here, Dhṛtarāṣṭra), avoiding needless offense, even while exercising power and valor.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes Yudhiṣṭhira’s exemplary behavior and character—his valor and proper conduct—emphasizing that he continually treated Dhṛtarāṣṭra with consideration, doing what was agreeable and refraining from actions that would cause displeasure.