Shloka 38
Droṇa–Vidura–Gāndhārī Counsel in the Royal Assembly (धर्मार्थयुक्ता सभा-उपदेश-प्रकरणम्)
अपत्यार्थ महाराज प्रसाद कृतवांश्व सः । त्रीन् स पुत्रानजनयत् तदा भरतसत्तम,महाराज! इस प्रकार माता तथा अन्य लोगोंको अनुनय-विनयके द्वारा अनुकूल करके माताके सहित मैंने महामुनि व्यासको प्रसन्न करके भाईकी स्ट्रियोंसे पुत्र उत्पन्न करनेके लिये उनसे प्रार्थना की। भरतकुल-भूषण! महर्षिने कृपा की और उन स्त्रियोंसे तीन पुत्र उत्पन्न किये
apatyārtha mahārāja prasādaṁ kṛtavān saḥ | trīn sa putrān ajanayat tadā bharatasattama ||
Bhishma dijo: «Oh gran rey, por asegurar descendencia, él otorgó su favor. Entonces, oh el mejor de los Bharata, engendró tres hijos.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rajadharma and kula-dharma: preserving the continuity of the royal line is treated as a grave responsibility. Even uncomfortable measures, when undertaken with proper intent and sanction, are framed as duty aimed at social and political stability.
Bhishma recounts arranging for Vyasa to be pleased and requested to beget heirs through his brother’s wives. As a result, three sons are born—understood in the larger episode as Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura—ensuring the continuation of the Kuru dynasty.