Shloka 19
धृतराष्ट्रस्य वनप्रस्थानानुज्ञा | Permission for Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Forest-Retirement
अस्माकं भवतां चैव येयं प्रीतिर्हिं शाश्व॒ती । न च सान्येषु देशेषु राज्ञामिति मतिर्मम
asmākaṃ bhavatāṃ caiva yeyam prītir hiṃ śāśvatī | na ca sānyēṣu dēśēṣu rājñām iti matir mama |
Vaiśampāyana dit : « Ce lien d’affection durable entre nous et vous est véritablement impérissable. À mon sens, une telle relation entre les rois et leur peuple ne se trouve pas en d’autres contrées. Aussi, accordez-moi vous aussi la permission de partir pour la forêt ; qu’aucune pensée contraire ne s’élève en vos cœurs à ce sujet. »
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical ideal of kingship: a ruler’s legitimacy is strengthened by a long-standing, mutual bond of goodwill with the people. Such reciprocal affection is presented as rare and valuable, and it supports the speaker’s request to pursue a dharmic transition toward forest life without suspicion or resistance.
In the Ashramavāsika context, the speaker (as narrated by Vaiśampāyana) conveys a request for permission to withdraw to the forest. He reassures the listeners that their mutual affection is enduring and exceptional, and asks them not to entertain any contrary doubts regarding his departure.