Shloka 19
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Procession, Encampment (Niveśa), and Auspicious Timing for Ritual Action
ततो ययु: पाण्डुसुता ब्राह्मणान् स्वस्ति वाच्य च । अर्चयित्वा सुरश्रेष्ठ॑ पूर्वमेव महेश्वरम्
tato yayuḥ pāṇḍusutā brāhmaṇān svasti vācya ca | arcayitvā suraśreṣṭhaṃ pūrvam eva maheśvaram |
Vaiśampāyana said: Then the sons of Pāṇḍu set out, first having the Brāhmaṇas pronounce auspicious blessings. They worshipped Maheśvara—foremost among the divine—before all else, and only thereafter began their journey, strengthened by benedictions and the assurance that their undertaking was aligned with sacred propriety.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Before undertaking major actions, one should seek auspicious blessings and place the act under sacred discipline—honouring the divine and the learned (Brāhmaṇas) so that the journey proceeds in harmony with dharma rather than mere impulse.
The Pāṇḍavas prepare to depart. They first arrange for Brāhmaṇas to recite blessings (svasti) and worship Maheśvara (Śiva) as the foremost divine protector, and then begin their journey with confidence and ritual propriety.