Shloka 153
धृतराष्ट्रस्य वनप्रस्थानानुज्ञा | Permission for Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Forest-Retirement
परस्परस्य सुह्दद: परस्परहिते रता: । 'सज्जनो! आप और कौरव चिरकालसे एक साथ रहते आये हैं। आप दोनों एक- दूसरेके सुहृद् हैं और दोनों सदा एक-दूसरेके हितमें तत्पर रहते हैं
parasparasya suhṛdaḥ parasparahite ratāḥ |
Vaiśampāyana said: “They are mutual well-wishers, devoted to one another’s good. ‘O noble one, you and the Kauravas have long lived together; you are each other’s friends, and both are ever intent on each other’s welfare.’”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds an ethical ideal: those bound by long association and kinship should act as mutual well-wishers (suhṛd), remaining intent on each other’s welfare rather than nurturing hostility.
Vaiśampāyana characterizes the relationship as one of mutual goodwill, framing an appeal (addressed to a ‘noble one’) that emphasizes long-standing cohabitation with the Kauravas and urges a stance of friendly concern for one another’s benefit.