Shloka 226
Chapter 6: Dāruka’s Report; Arjuna Witnesses Dvārakā’s Desolation (दारुकवृत्तान्तः—अर्जुनस्य द्वारकादर्शनम्)
प्रतिपत्स्यति बीभत्सुर्भवतश्नौर्ध्वदेहिकम् । “जिन स्त्रियोंका प्रसवकाल समीप हो, उनपर और छोटे बालकोंपर अर्जुन विशेषरूपसे ध्यान देंगे और वे ही आपका और्ध्वदेहिक संस्कार भी करेंगे
pratipatsyati bībhatsur bhavataḥ snauḥ ūrdhvadehikam |
Vasudeva said: “Arjuna, the Terrible-in-battle, will undertake your post-funeral rites (और्ध्वदेहिक). He will give special care to women near childbirth and to small children, and he himself will perform the rites due after your passing.”
वसुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes dharma as responsibility: ensuring proper post-death rites for elders and safeguarding vulnerable dependents (women near childbirth and small children) through a capable protector.
Vasudeva indicates that Arjuna will take charge of the family’s immediate obligations after death—performing the required ūrdhvadehika rites and providing focused protection and care to those most at risk.