Shloka 35
Adhyāya 45 — Duryodhana’s Distress, Śakuni’s Counsel, and the Summons for Dyūta
दमघोषात्मजं वीरं संस्कारयत मा चिरम् | तथा च कृतवन्तस्ते भ्रातुर्व शासनं तदा,पाण्डुनन्दन युधिष्ठिरने अपने भाइयोंसे कहा--“दमघोष-पुत्र वीर राजा शिशुपालका अन्त्येष्टि संस्कार बड़े सत्कारके साथ करो, इसमें देर न लगाओ।” पाण्डवोंने भाईकी उस आज्ञाका यथार्थरूपसे पालन किया
Vaiśampāyana uvāca | Damaghoṣātmajaṃ vīraṃ saṃskārayata mā ciram | tathā ca kṛtavantaste bhrātur vāśāsanaṃ tadā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Perform without delay the final rites for the heroic Śiśupāla, son of Damaghoṣa, and do so with due honor.” Then the Pāṇḍavas carried out their brother’s command exactly. The episode underscores that even toward a fallen adversary, dharma requires timely and respectful funerary rites, and that righteous leadership is shown through compassion, propriety, and obedience to rightful instruction.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma extends beyond victory and enmity: one should promptly perform proper rites for the dead with honor, and righteous governance includes compassion and adherence to correct ritual and moral duty.
After Śiśupāla’s death, Yudhiṣṭhira instructs his brothers to conduct Śiśupāla’s funerary rites without delay and with respect; the Pāṇḍavas obey and carry out the instruction.