Shloka 163
अध्याय १५ (Āśramavāsika-parva): धृतराष्ट्रस्य वनवासानुज्ञायाचनम् — Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s renewed plea for consent to forest-dwelling
गान्धारीसहिता वत्स्ये तापसी मलपड्किनी । अब मैं वनमें गान्धारीके साथ शरीरपर मैल एवं कीचड़ धारण किये तपस्विनी बनकर रहूँगी और अपने इन सास-ससुरके चरणोंकी सेवामें लगी रहूँगी
gāndhārī-sahitā vatsye tāpasī mala-paṅkinī |
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: «Habitaré en el bosque junto con Gāndhārī, viviendo como una mujer asceta, con el cuerpo cubierto de polvo y barro. Permaneceré entregada al servicio de los pies de esos mayores—mi suegro y mi suegra—con reverencia».
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed through renunciation and humble service: choosing an austere forest life, accepting physical hardship, and honoring elders through devoted attendance. Ethical strength is shown as steadfast duty and self-discipline rather than comfort or status.
In the Ashramavāsika context—after the great war—royal elders and their family turn toward the forest life. The speaker’s declaration (as reported by Vaiśampāyana) describes living with Gāndhārī as an ascetic, embracing austerity, and serving the elder in-laws, marking a transition from palace life to vānaprastha/ascetic practice.