Shloka 16
कुन्त्याः वनगमननिश्चयः — Kuntī’s Resolve to Depart for the Forest
ततो युधिष्छिरो राजा कुरुक्षेत्रमवातरत् । क्रमेणोत्तीर्य यमुनां नदीं परमपावनीम्,उधर राजा युधिष्ठिर क्रमश: आगे बढ़ते हुए परम पावन यमुना नदीको पार करके कुरक्षेत्रमें जा पहुँचे
tato yudhiṣṭhiro rājā kurukṣetram avātarat | krameṇottīrya yamunāṃ nadīṃ paramapāvanīm ||
Then King Yudhiṣṭhira proceeded to Kurukṣetra. Advancing step by step, he crossed the supremely purifying river Yamunā and arrived at that sacred field.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic movement through sacred space: a ruler advances with restraint and purpose, seeking purification and right orientation after great events. Crossing a 'supremely purifying' river symbolizes inner cleansing and renewed commitment to righteous conduct.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that King Yudhiṣṭhira, traveling gradually, crosses the Yamunā and reaches Kurukṣetra, indicating a deliberate journey to a highly charged sacred and historical location.