Shloka 43
यस्मिज्जाते महावीरयें शान्तनुलोकविश्रुत: । शोकं दैन्यं च दुःखं च प्राजहात् पुत्रलक्ष्मणि
yasmiñ jāte mahāvīrye śāntanulokaviśrutaḥ | śokaṁ dainyaṁ ca duḥkhaṁ ca prājahāt putralakṣmaṇi ||
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: “When that mighty hero—renowned throughout the world as the son of Śāntanu—was born, I cast off grief, dejection, and sorrow, for he appeared as a splendid blessing in the form of a son.”
धृतराष्ट उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the birth of a worthy heir can transform a ruler’s inner state—turning despair into renewed purpose—showing the ethical weight placed on lineage, responsibility, and hope in royal life.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra recalls that upon the birth of a celebrated Kuru hero, famed as Śāntanu’s son/descendant, his own grief and dejection were dispelled, as he regarded the child as an auspicious son-blessing.