Shloka 233
धृतराष्ट्र-सत्कारः तथा श्राद्ध-दाने नियमनम् | Honoring Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Regulating Śrāddha-Gifts
यां प्रीतिं पाण्डुपुत्रेभ्य:ः सदावाप नराधिप: । राजा धृतराष्ट्रको सदा पाण्डवोंके बर्तावसे जितनी प्रसन्नता होती थी, उतनी उत्कृष्ट प्रीति उन्हें अपने पुत्रोंसे भी कभी प्राप्त नहीं हुई थी
yāṁ prītiṁ pāṇḍuputrebhyaḥ sadāvāpa narādhipaḥ | rājā dhṛtarāṣṭrako sadā pāṇḍavonke bartāvase jitanī prasannatā hotī thī, utanī utkṛṣṭa prīti unheṁ apane putroṁse bhī kabhī prāpta nahīṁ huī thī |
Vaiśampāyana said: The affection the king—lord of men—ever received from the sons of Pāṇḍu gave him steady joy; such excellent, uplifting love he had never obtained even from his own sons. The verse shows how righteous conduct and respectful service can awaken deeper contentment than mere ties of blood.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
True affection and inner satisfaction arise from dharmic conduct and respectful behavior; such virtue can create deeper bonds than biological relationship alone.
Vaiśampāyana describes Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s experience: the Pāṇḍavas’ consistent, respectful treatment gave him a joy and sense of cherished regard that he never felt to the same degree from his own sons.