Shloka 63
धृतराष्ट्रस्य पाण्डवेषु प्रीति-वृत्तान्तः | Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Affectionate Disposition toward the Pāṇḍavas
युधिष्ठिर उदाच यस्य नागसहस्रेण शतसंख्येन वै बलम् । सो<थयं नारीं व्यपाश्रित्य शेते राजा गतासुवत्
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca yasya nāgasahasreṇa śatasaṅkhyena vai balam | so 'thāyaṃ nārīṃ vyapāśritya śete rājā gatāsuvat ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “He whose strength was reckoned as that of a hundred thousand elephants—this King Dhṛtarāṣṭra now lies as if lifeless, resting only by taking refuge in a woman. Such is the reversal wrought by time: power and sovereignty fade, and dependence replaces pride.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights impermanence and the humbling power of time: even immense physical strength and royal status cannot prevent decline. Ethically, it invites compassion rather than triumphalism, and encourages detachment from pride in power.
Yudhiṣṭhira observes Dhṛtarāṣṭra in his weakened state during the forest-dwelling phase (āśramavāsa). Once famed for great strength, the old king now lies dependent on Gāndhārī for support, prompting Yudhiṣṭhira’s reflection.