Shloka 3
Akrūra in Hastināpura: Kuntī’s Lament and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Moral Instruction
यथावदुपसङ्गम्य बन्धुभिर्गान्दिनीसुत: । सम्पृष्टस्तै: सुहृद्वार्तां स्वयं चापृच्छदव्ययम् ॥ ३ ॥
yathāvad upasaṅgamya bandhubhir gāndinī-sutaḥ sampṛṣṭas taiḥ suhṛd-vārtāṁ svayaṁ cāpṛcchad avyayam
गान्दिनीपुत्र अक्रूर ने यथोचित रूप से अपने बन्धु-बान्धवों से मिलकर प्रणाम किया। तब उन्होंने उससे अपने सुहृदों का समाचार पूछा, और उसने भी उनके कुशल-क्षेम का अव्यय भाव से पूछताछ की।
FAQs
This verse shows Akrūra approaching his kinsmen “yathāvat”—in the fitting, respectful manner—and exchanging inquiries about everyone’s well-being, presenting social conduct as part of dharma.
Because Akrūra had come from significant events connected to the Yādavas, his family naturally asked for “suhṛd-vārtā”—news of their well-wishers—before other matters.
Meet people respectfully, ask sincerely about their welfare and the well-being of those they care about, and maintain steady composure—courtesy is also a form of devotion and dharma.