Shloka 63
धृतराष्ट्रस्य पाण्डवेषु प्रीति-वृत्तान्तः | Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Affectionate Disposition toward the Pāṇḍavas
युधिष्ठिर उदाच यस्य नागसहस्रेण शतसंख्येन वै बलम् । सो<थयं नारीं व्यपाश्रित्य शेते राजा गतासुवत्
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca yasya nāgasahasreṇa śatasaṅkhyena vai balam | so 'thāyaṃ nārīṃ vyapāśritya śete rājā gatāsuvat ||
Yudhiṣṭhira dijo: «¡Ay! Aquel cuya fuerza se contaba como la de cien mil elefantes—este rey Dhṛtarāṣṭra yace ahora como sin vida, refugiándose tan sólo en una mujer. Tal es el vuelco que obra el tiempo: el poder y la soberanía se desvanecen, y la dependencia sustituye al orgullo».
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights impermanence and the humbling power of time: even immense physical strength and royal status cannot prevent decline. Ethically, it invites compassion rather than triumphalism, and encourages detachment from pride in power.
Yudhiṣṭhira observes Dhṛtarāṣṭra in his weakened state during the forest-dwelling phase (āśramavāsa). Once famed for great strength, the old king now lies dependent on Gāndhārī for support, prompting Yudhiṣṭhira’s reflection.