Shloka 56
धृतराष्ट्र-सत्कारः तथा श्राद्ध-दाने नियमनम् | Honoring Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Regulating Śrāddha-Gifts
सुह्ृदां चैव सर्वेषां यावदस्य चिकीर्षितम् । “पिता आदिकी क्षयाह तिथियोंपर तथा पुत्रों और समस्त सुहृदोंके श्राद्धकर्ममें राजा धृतराष्ट्र जितना धन खर्च करना चाहें, वह सब इन्हें मिलना चाहिये”
suhṛdāṃ caiva sarveṣāṃ yāvad asya cikīrṣitam |
Vaiśampāyana said: Whatever he wishes to do for all his friends—so far as his intention extends—let the means for it be provided. In particular, for the śrāddha rites of his father, his sons, and all his well-wishers, whatever amount of wealth King Dhṛtarāṣṭra desires to spend should be made available to him.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes dharma as the fulfillment of obligations toward the dead and toward one’s community: proper śrāddha rites and support for intended acts of honoring kin and well-wishers should not be obstructed, even in the aftermath of conflict.
In the Āśramavāsika context, arrangements are being articulated for Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s wishes—especially regarding śrāddha ceremonies for his father, sons, and friends—stating that whatever wealth he intends to spend for these rites should be provided.