Shloka 12
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Śrāddha Request and Bhīma’s Objection (Āśramavāsika-parva, Adhyāya 17)
उपावत्तेषु पार्थेषु सर्वास्वेव वधूषु च । ययौ राजा महाप्राज्ञो धृतराष्ट्रो वनं तदा
upāvatteṣu pārtheṣu sarvāsveva vadhūṣu ca | yayau rājā mahāprājño dhṛtarāṣṭro vanaṃ tadā ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Nang makapagpaalam na at makabalik na ang mga anak ni Pṛthā (ang mga Pāṇḍava) at ang lahat ng kanilang mga manugang na babae, ang haring si Dhṛtarāṣṭra, na dakila ang karunungan, ay tumungo noon sa gubat.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic withdrawal from worldly authority: after family matters are settled, an aged ruler turns toward renunciation and austerity, emphasizing detachment, accountability, and the pursuit of inner clarity over continued attachment to power.
After the Pāṇḍavas and all their daughters-in-law have taken leave/returned from their attendance, Dhṛtarāṣṭra—described as very wise—departs for the forest, marking his transition from palace life to a forest-dwelling stage.