Shloka 63
धृतराष्ट्रस्य पाण्डवेषु प्रीति-वृत्तान्तः | Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Affectionate Disposition toward the Pāṇḍavas
युधिष्ठिर उदाच यस्य नागसहस्रेण शतसंख्येन वै बलम् । सो<थयं नारीं व्यपाश्रित्य शेते राजा गतासुवत्,युधिष्ठिरने कहा--ओह! जिसमें एक लाख हाथियोंके समान बल था, वे ही ये राजा धृतराष्ट्र आज प्राणहीन-से होकर स्त्रीका सहारा लिये सो रहे हैं
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca yasya nāgasahasreṇa śatasaṅkhyena vai balam | so 'thāyaṃ nārīṃ vyapāśritya śete rājā gatāsuvat ||
युधिष्ठिर उवाच—यस्य नागसहस्रेण शतसंख्येन वै बलम्। सोऽयं नारीं व्यपाश्रित्य शेते राजा गतासुवत्॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights impermanence and the humbling power of time: even immense physical strength and royal status cannot prevent decline. Ethically, it invites compassion rather than triumphalism, and encourages detachment from pride in power.
Yudhiṣṭhira observes Dhṛtarāṣṭra in his weakened state during the forest-dwelling phase (āśramavāsa). Once famed for great strength, the old king now lies dependent on Gāndhārī for support, prompting Yudhiṣṭhira’s reflection.