Shloka 18
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Procession, Encampment (Niveśa), and Auspicious Timing for Ritual Action
कृत्वा तु पाण्डवा: सर्वे रत्नाहरणनिश्चयम् । सेनामाज्ञापयामास;ुर्नक्षत्रेडहनि च ध्रुवे,इस प्रकार समस्त पाण्डवोंने रत्न लानेका निश्चय करके ध्रुवसंज्ञक- नक्षत्र एवं दिनमें सेनाको यात्राके लिये तैयार होनेकी आज्ञा दी
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: kṛtvā tu pāṇḍavāḥ sarve ratnāharaṇa-niścayam | senām ājñāpayāmāsur nakṣatre ’hani ca dhruve ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Nachdem alle Pāṇḍavas beschlossen hatten, die Juwelen zu beschaffen und zurückzubringen, befahlen sie dem Heer, sich zur Reise zu rüsten, und wählten die glückverheißende Zeit, die durch das Sternbild Dhruva und jenen Tag gekennzeichnet war.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights purposeful resolve (niścaya) coupled with orderly execution (ājñā), and the traditional dharmic practice of beginning major royal actions at an auspicious time—suggesting that power should be guided by deliberation, discipline, and respect for established norms.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that the Pāṇḍavas collectively decide to obtain the jewels and then command their army to prepare for departure, selecting a time associated with the Dhruva constellation and day as favorable for travel and undertaking.