Shloka 6
Kīcaka-vadha-pratisaṃjñā: Rumor in Matsya and the Kaurava Scouts’ Report (कीचकवध-प्रतिसंज्ञा)
तेषां तद् वचन श्रुत्वा विराटो वाहिनीपति: । अब्रवीत् क्रियतामेषां सूतानां परमक्रिया,उनकी वह बात सुनकर सेनाओंके स्वामी राजा विराटने कहा--“इन सूतपुत्रोंका अन्त्येष्टि-संस्कार किया जाय
teṣāṃ tad vacanaṃ śrutvā virāṭo vāhinīpatiḥ | abravīt kriyatām eṣāṃ sūtānāṃ paramakriyā ||
Hearing their words, King Virāṭa, commander of the host, declared: “Let the final rites be performed for these sons of the sūtas.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in the form of honoring the dead through proper final rites (paramakriyā/antyeṣṭi). Even amid violence and social distinctions, a ruler is expected to ensure dignified rites, reflecting compassion and responsibility.
After hearing a report or request, King Virāṭa, as commander of the forces, issues an order that the funeral rites be carried out for the fallen sūta-sons, indicating immediate administrative and moral action following deaths in the conflict.