Shloka 58
धृतराष्ट्रस्य पाण्डवेषु प्रीति-वृत्तान्तः | Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Affectionate Disposition toward the Pāṇḍavas
वैशम्पायन उवाच इत्युक्त्वा धर्मराजानं वेपमानं कृताञज्जलिम् | उवाच वचन राजा धृतराष्ट्रोम्बिकासुत:
vaiśampāyana uvāca | ity uktvā dharmarājānaṁ vepamānaṁ kṛtāñjalim | uvāca vacanaṁ rājā dhṛtarāṣṭro ’mbikāsutaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Having spoken thus, King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, the son of Ambikā, addressed King Dharmarāja (Yudhiṣṭhira), who was trembling and sat with hands folded in reverence. The scene underscores the weight of counsel and responsibility: the elder king speaks after seeing the righteous ruler shaken, and the posture of folded hands marks humility and readiness to accept guidance.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical kingship grounded in humility: even a righteous ruler may tremble under the weight of duty and consequence, and the proper response is reverent attentiveness to wise counsel rather than pride or impulsiveness.
After speaking previously, Dhṛtarāṣṭra turns to address Yudhiṣṭhira directly. Yudhiṣṭhira is visibly shaken and sits with folded hands, indicating respect and emotional gravity as the elder king continues his counsel.