Shloka 33
अध्याय १: महाप्रस्थानारम्भः
The Commencement of the Great Departure
श्वा चैवानुययावेक: प्रस्थितान् पाण्डवान् वनम् | क्रमेण ते ययुर्वीरा लौहित्यं सलिलार्णवम्
śvā caivānuyayāv ekaḥ prasthitān pāṇḍavān vanam | krameṇa te yayur vīrā lauhityaṃ salilārṇavam ||
वैशम्पायन बोले—वन की ओर प्रस्थित पाण्डवों के पीछे एक कुत्ता भी अकेला चला। क्रमशः चलते-चलते वे वीर लौहित्य के जल-समुद्र तक जा पहुँचे।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in renunciation and the final journey, dharma is tested through small, concrete choices—here signaled by the presence of a faithful dog. The narrative prepares the reader for ethical scrutiny around compassion, loyalty, and the treatment of dependent beings.
As the Pāṇḍavas depart toward the forest on their last path, a lone dog follows them. They continue gradually until they reach Lauhitya, described as a vast, ocean-like body of water, indicating progress through significant geographic and symbolic milestones.