Shloka 2
Kuntī’s Retrospective Uddharṣaṇa and Renunciatory Resolve (कुन्त्युद्धर्षण-प्रत्याख्यानम्)
स च योधजन: सर्वो ये च राष्ट्रनिवासिन: । स्त्रियश्व कुरुमुख्यानां पद्धिरेवान्वयुस्तदा,साथ आये हुए समस्त सैनिक, राज्यके निवासी मनुष्य तथा कुरुवंशके प्रधान पुरुषोंकी स्त्रियाँ भी पैदल ही आश्रमतक गयीं
sa ca yodhajanaḥ sarvo ye ca rāṣṭranivāsinaḥ | striyaś ca kurumukhyānāṁ paddhir evānvayus tadā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then all the soldiers, the people dwelling in the kingdom, and even the women of the foremost among the Kurus followed on foot, proceeding to the hermitage. The scene underscores a collective turning from royal comfort toward austere duty and reverent accompaniment in a time of withdrawal and moral reckoning after war.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights humility and shared responsibility: in a moment of transition toward ascetic life, even those accustomed to privilege choose to walk on foot, signaling respect, solidarity, and a turn from power toward restraint and dharmic conduct.
A large group—soldiers, common residents of the realm, and the women of the leading Kurus—sets out and follows on foot to the hermitage, accompanying the principal figures of the Kuru house during their move into forest life.