Shloka 21
वसुदेव–अर्जुन संवादः
Vasudeva–Arjuna Dialogue in the Aftermath of Dvārakā
तस्याश्वमेधिकं छत्र॑ दीप्यमानाश्ष॒ पावका: । पुरस्तात् तस्य यानस्य याजकाश्न ततो ययु:,उनकी अरथीके आगे-आगे अश्वमेध-यज्ञमें उपयोग किया हुआ छत्र तथा अग्निहोत्रकी प्रज्वलित अग्नि लिये याजक ब्राह्मण चल रहे थे
vaiśampāyana uvāca | tasyāśvamedhikaṃ chatraṃ dīpyamānāś ca pāvakāḥ | purastāt tasya yānasya yājakāś ca tato yayuḥ |
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Delante de aquel vehículo iban los sacerdotes del sacrificio, llevando el parasol que se había usado en el rito del Aśvamedha y portando los fuegos sagrados que ardían con vivo resplandor. La escena subraya que, aun en el sombrío avance de un cortejo fúnebre, se mantiene el honor de los ritos védicos y la dignidad real: los símbolos de soberanía y sacrificio acompañan al difunto como último acto de reverencia.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how dharma is expressed through ritual continuity and respectful conduct: even at a time of death and transition, the community preserves sacred order by honoring the departed with symbols of consecration (Aśvamedha paraphernalia) and the ever-living sacred fires, affirming that kingship and sacrifice are ultimately accountable to Vedic sanctity.
A solemn procession is moving forward; in front of the conveyance, officiating priests walk carrying the Aśvamedha parasol and the blazing ritual fires. These items function as ceremonial markers of the deceased’s royal-sacrificial status and as part of the rites accompanying the final journey.