Shloka 30
दानपात्रापात्र-निर्णयः / Determining Worthy Gifts, Recipients, and Permissible Food
स तैः परिवृतो राजा नक्षत्रैरिव चन्द्रमा: । धृतराष्ट्रं पुरस्कृत्य स्वपुरं प्रविवेश ह
sa taiḥ parivṛto rājā nakṣatrair iva candramāḥ | dhṛtarāṣṭraṃ puraskṛtya svapuraṃ praviveśa ha ||
Surrounded by those people, King Yudhiṣṭhira appeared like the moon encircled by the stars. Placing Dhṛtarāṣṭra in the forefront as a mark of deference and rightful conduct, he then entered his own city—Hastināpura.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even after victory, a righteous ruler upholds dharma by honoring elders and preserving dignity and social harmony; placing Dhṛtarāṣṭra in front symbolizes restraint, respect, and reconciliation rather than triumphalism.
Vaiśampāyana describes King Yudhiṣṭhira, surrounded by people like the moon among stars, proceeding to enter his capital. He leads with Dhṛtarāṣṭra in front, and thus they go into Hastināpura.