Shloka 24
धृतराष्ट्रस्य वनप्रस्थानानुज्ञा | Permission for Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Forest-Retirement
तानविन्रुवतः किंचित् सर्वान् शोकपरायणान् | पुनरेव महातेजा धृतराष्ट्रोडब्रवीदिदम्,उन सबको शोकमग्न होकर कुछ भी उत्तर न देते देख महातेजस्वी धुृतराष्ट्रने पुनः बोलना आरम्भ किया
tān anirbruvataḥ kiñcit sarvān śokaparāyaṇān | punar eva mahātejā dhṛtarāṣṭro ’bravīd idam ||
Seeing them all sunk in grief and not replying even a little, the mighty Dhṛtarāṣṭra once again began to speak.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Intense grief can render people speechless; in such moments, compassionate and steady speech becomes a form of guidance. The verse highlights the ethical role of a senior figure who, despite personal suffering, attempts to lead others out of paralysis toward reflection and right action.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that everyone present is overwhelmed by sorrow and gives no reply. Observing their silence, Dhṛtarāṣṭra—described as mighty—begins speaking again, preparing to continue his counsel or decision in the unfolding events of the Āśramavāsika episode.