Shloka 15
धृतराष्ट्रविलापः — Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Lament and Inquiry (Śalya-parva, Adhyāya 2)
ननु नामाहमश्रौषं वचन तव पुत्रक । भूयसी मम पृथ्वीयं यथा पार्थस्य नो तथा,बेटा! मैंने तुम्हारे मुँठउले यह बात सुनी थी कि “मेरे अधिकारमें बहुत बड़ी पृथ्वी है। इतना विशाल भूभाग दुन्तीपुत्र युधिष्ठिरके अधिकारमें कभी नहीं रहा
nanu nāmāham aśrauṣaṃ vacanaṃ tava putraka | bhūyasī mama pṛthvīyaṃ yathā pārthasya no tathā ||
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: “My son, I did indeed hear this statement of yours—that the earth under my control is far greater, and that such a vast realm was never under the authority of Pārtha (Yudhiṣṭhira).” In context, the line exposes the moral blindness born of possessiveness and pride: measuring legitimacy by sheer extent of territory rather than by rightful conduct and dharma.
धघतयाट्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how attachment to power and territory can distort moral judgment. Dhṛtarāṣṭra recalls a boast comparing dominion, implicitly questioning the ethical basis of such claims—true legitimacy in the Mahābhārata is tied to dharma, not mere magnitude of possession.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra addresses his son (Duryodhana), reminding him of words he had earlier spoken about possessing a larger kingdom than Pārtha (Yudhiṣṭhira). The recollection functions as a pointed comment on the rivalry and the mindset that fueled the conflict.