Shloka 66
Bhīṣma’s Yogic Departure, Royal Cremation, and Gaṅgā’s Lament (भीष्मस्य योगयुक्त्या देहत्यागः, पितृमेधः, गङ्गाविलापः)
युधिष्ठिरस्तु गाड़ेय॑ं विश्रान्तं भूरिदक्षिणम् । पुनरेव महाबुद्धि: पर्यपृच्छन््महीपति:,तदनन्तर बड़ी-बड़ी दक्षिणाओंका दान करनेवाले गंगानन्दन भीष्मजी जब विश्राम ले चुके, तब महाबुद्धिमान् राजा युधिष्छिर पुनः प्रश्न करने लगे
Yudhiṣṭhiras tu gāṅgeyaṃ viśrāntaṃ bhūridakṣiṇam | punar eva mahābuddhiḥ paryapṛcchan mahīpatiḥ ||
Then, after Bhīṣma—the son of the Gaṅgā, famed for bestowing abundant gifts—had taken rest, King Yudhiṣṭhira, of great understanding, questioned him once again.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma as a living pursuit: even after acts of great generosity and ritual giving, the king continues to seek ethical clarity through respectful questioning of a revered elder. It models humility, perseverance in learning, and the primacy of right understanding in governance.
After Bhīṣma—renowned for abundant dakṣiṇā—has taken rest, Yudhiṣṭhira resumes his inquiries. The dialogue framework continues, with the king repeatedly approaching Bhīṣma for guidance on dharma and proper conduct.