King of Hastinapura
Dhritarashtra
धृतराष्ट्र
Dhritarashtra is the blind king of Hastinapura and father of the Kauravas. His question to Sanjaya in the very first verse of the Gita sets the entire dialogue in motion. He represents attachment and the blindness of worldly affection.
Role & Significance
Though Dhritarashtra appears only in the opening verse, his question reveals his anxiety about the outcome of the war. His physical blindness symbolizes the spiritual blindness that comes from attachment and partiality.
Key Teachings & Lessons
- Attachment blinds us to truth and dharma
- Even asking the right question has value
- Parental love can cloud judgment
- We cannot escape the consequences of past actions
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Bhagavad Gita begin with Dhritarashtra's question?
Dhritarashtra's question 'What did my sons and the sons of Pandu do?' sets up the narrative framework. His anxiety about the outcome reflects his attachment to his sons and his awareness that dharma may not be on their side.
What does Dhritarashtra symbolize?
Dhritarashtra symbolizes spiritual blindness caused by attachment. Despite knowing that his sons were wrong, his love for them prevented him from acting righteously, leading to the great war.
Was Dhritarashtra born blind?
Yes, Dhritarashtra was born blind, which prevented him from becoming king directly. His blindness in the Gita serves as a metaphor for the inability to see truth clearly when clouded by attachment.
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