Shloka 24
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Procession, Encampment (Niveśa), and Auspicious Timing for Ritual Action
मूले निक्षिप्य कौरव्यं युयुत्सुं धृतराष्ट्रजम् । सम्पूज्यमाना: पौरैश्न ब्राह्मणैश्वन मनीषिभि:
mūle nikṣipya kauravyaṃ yuyutsuṃ dhṛtarāṣṭrajam | sampūjyamānāḥ pauraiś ca brāhmaṇaiś ca manīṣibhiḥ || (prayayuḥ pāṇḍavā vīrā niyamasthāḥ śucivratāḥ |)
Vaiśampāyana said: Having stationed Yuyutsu—the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra—at the very root of the Kuru line to serve as a protector, the heroic Pāṇḍavas departed from there, honored by the townspeople and by wise brāhmaṇas. They went forth steadfast in disciplined observances, firm in pure vows and in the restraints of cleanliness, contentment, and self-control.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
After the devastation of war, dharma expresses itself as restoration and protection: the Pāṇḍavas ensure the safety and continuity of the Kuru household by appointing a trustworthy guardian (Yuyutsu), while personally maintaining disciplined conduct (niyama, śuci-vrata). Ethical leadership is shown through responsibility to elders, lineage, and social order, not merely through victory.
The Pāṇḍavas, having arranged for Yuyutsu (Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s son) to remain near the senior members of the Kuru family as a protector, are honored by the citizens and wise brāhmaṇas and then depart. Their departure is marked by their continued adherence to vows and disciplined observances.