Shloka 19
धृतराष्ट्रस्य वनप्रस्थानानुज्ञा | Permission for Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Forest-Retirement
अस्माकं भवतां चैव येयं प्रीतिर्हिं शाश्व॒ती । न च सान्येषु देशेषु राज्ञामिति मतिर्मम,“अब आपलोग भी मुझे वनमें जानेकी आज्ञा दें। इस विषयमें आपके मनमें कोई अन्यथा विचार नहीं होना चाहिये। आपलोगोंका हमारे साथ जो यह प्रेम-सम्बन्ध सदासे चला आ रहा है, ऐसा सम्बन्ध दूसरे देशके राजाओंके साथ वहाँकी प्रजाका नहीं होगा, ऐसा मेरा विश्वास है
asmākaṃ bhavatāṃ caiva yeyam prītir hiṃ śāśvatī | na ca sānyēṣu dēśēṣu rājñām iti matir mama |
Vaiśampāyana said: “This enduring bond of affection between us and you is truly everlasting. In my judgment, such a relationship between kings and their people is not found in other lands. Therefore, you too should grant me permission to depart for the forest; let there be no contrary thought in your minds about this matter.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical ideal of kingship: a ruler’s legitimacy is strengthened by a long-standing, mutual bond of goodwill with the people. Such reciprocal affection is presented as rare and valuable, and it supports the speaker’s request to pursue a dharmic transition toward forest life without suspicion or resistance.
In the Ashramavāsika context, the speaker (as narrated by Vaiśampāyana) conveys a request for permission to withdraw to the forest. He reassures the listeners that their mutual affection is enduring and exceptional, and asks them not to entertain any contrary doubts regarding his departure.