Shloka 156
धृतराष्ट्रस्य पाण्डवेषु प्रीति-वृत्तान्तः | Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Affectionate Disposition toward the Pāṇḍavas
वाष्पसंदिग्धमत्यर्थमिदमाह च तान् भृशम् | तदनन्तर धृतराष्ट्रने अपने मित्रोंको बुलवाया और नेत्रोंमें आँसू भरकर अत्यन्त गद्गद वाणीमें इस प्रकार कहा
vāṣpa-saṃdigdham atyartham idam āha ca tān bhṛśam |
Vaiśampāyana said: With eyes clouded by tears and his voice choked with emotion, he spoke these words to them with great intensity. Thereafter Dhṛtarāṣṭra summoned his companions and, overwhelmed by grief, addressed them.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the consequences of adharma culminate in remorse and grief; emotional collapse becomes a doorway to ethical reflection, urging restraint, accountability, and a turn toward renunciation after worldly ruin.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Dhṛtarāṣṭra, overcome with tears and speaking in a choked voice, addresses those present; it introduces a poignant speech where the old king gathers his companions and speaks from deep sorrow.