Shloka 74
धृतराष्ट्रस्य पाण्डवेषु प्रीति-वृत्तान्तः | Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Affectionate Disposition toward the Pāṇḍavas
वैशम्पायन उवाच एवमुक्तस्तु कौन्तेय: पित्रा ज्येष्ठेन भारत । पस्पर्श सर्वगात्रेषु सौहार्दात् तं शनैस्तदा
vaiśampāyana uvāca evam uktas tu kaunteyaḥ pitrā jyeṣṭhena bhārata | pasparśa sarvagātreṣu sauhārdāt taṃ śanais tadā ||
वैशम्पायन बोले— भारत! ज्येष्ठ पितृव्य धृतराष्ट्र के ऐसा कहने पर कुन्तीनन्दन युधिष्ठिर ने स्नेह और आदर से प्रेरित होकर धीरे-धीरे उनके समस्त अंगों पर हाथ फेरा।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even after devastating conflict, dharma is upheld through humility and compassionate regard for elders; Yudhiṣṭhira’s gentle touch embodies reconciliation, restraint, and affectionate duty rather than triumphalism.
After Dhṛtarāṣṭra (the elder paternal uncle) speaks to him, Yudhiṣṭhira responds not with argument but with a tender, respectful gesture—slowly touching Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s limbs—signaling goodwill and filial reverence.