Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 11
महता राजभोगेन पारिबर्ेण संवृत: । स्तूयमानो महातेजा भीष्मस्याग्नीननुव्रजन्
mahātā rājabhogena pāribarheṇa saṁvṛtaḥ | stūyamāno mahātejā bhīṣmasyāgnīn anuvrajan ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Surrounded by a great royal retinue and endowed with abundant kingly enjoyments, the radiant monarch proceeded amid praises, following behind the sacred fires established by Bhīṣma—keeping them before him as he moved onward in proper ceremonial order.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even royal power and luxury are to be subordinated to dharma: the king proceeds in a disciplined, reverential order, placing the sacred fires (symbols of ritual obligation and continuity) before himself, showing that sovereignty is guided by sacred duty rather than mere display.
A radiant king, surrounded by a large retinue and being praised, moves forward in a ceremonial procession, following behind the ritual fires that Bhīṣma had established—keeping the fires in front as part of proper observance.