Mahabharata — Mahaprasthanika Parva, Shloka 27
Adhyāya 3: Indra’s Invitation and Yudhiṣṭhira’s Refusal to Abandon the Dog
Svargārohaṇa Test
ये5पि राजर्षय: सर्वे ते चापि समुपस्थिता: । कीर्ति प्रच्छाद्य तेषां वै कुरुराजो5धितिष्ठति
ye 'pi rājarṣayaḥ sarve te cāpi samupasthitāḥ | kīrtiṁ pracchādya teṣāṁ vai kururājo 'dhitiṣṭhati ||
जो-जो राजर्षि स्वर्ग में आए हैं, वे सब भी यहाँ उपस्थित हैं; परन्तु कुरुराज युधिष्ठिर अपने यश से उन सबकी कीर्ति को आच्छादित करके श्रेष्ठ आसन पर विराजमान हैं।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
True kingship grounded in dharma yields a moral radiance (kīrti) that surpasses even the accumulated renown of other great rulers; ethical excellence becomes the highest distinction.
In the heavenly setting, many rājarṣis are gathered, yet Yudhiṣṭhira is portrayed as presiding in a superior position, his fame and merit eclipsing the glory of the others.