Shloka 17
धृतराष्ट्रस्य पश्चात्तापः तथा वनप्रस्थानानुज्ञा | Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Remorse and Request for Forest-Retirement
तस्य द्वाराणि सर्वाणि पर्याप्तानि बृहन्ति च । सर्वतः सुविभक्तानि यन्त्रैरारक्षितानि च
tasya dvārāṇi sarvāṇi paryāptāni bṛhanti ca | sarvataḥ suvibhaktāni yantrair ārakṣitāni ca ||
वैशम्पायन बोले— उस नगर के सब द्वार पर्याप्त और विशाल हों; वे चारों ओर सुन्दर रीति से विभक्त-व्यवस्थित हों और यन्त्रों द्वारा सुरक्षित किए गए हों।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rāja-dharma: a ruler must provide adequate infrastructure and layered protection. Well-planned, well-guarded gates symbolize responsible governance—security, order, and foresight for the welfare of the people.
Vaiśampāyana narrates instructions describing how the city (or fortified settlement) should be arranged: its gates must be large and sufficient, properly positioned on all sides, and secured with protective devices, indicating preparations for safety and stability.