Shloka 36
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 113 — Maryādā-sthāpana (Śvetaketu’s Boundary) and the Niyoga Deliberation of Pāṇḍu and Kuntī
तदादाय ययौ पाण्डु: पुनर्मुदितवाहन: । हर्षयिष्यन् स्वराष्ट्राणि पुरं च गजसाह्दयम्,वह सब लेकर महाराज पाण्डु अपने राष्ट्रके लोगोंका हर्ष बढ़ाते हुए पुनः हस्तिनापुर चले आये। उस समय उनकी सवारीके अश्व आदि भी बहुत प्रसन्न थे
tadādāya yayau pāṇḍuḥ punarmuditavāhanaḥ | harṣayiṣyan svarāṣṭrāṇi puraṃ ca gajasāhdayam ||
Having taken that with him, King Pāṇḍu set out again—his mounts once more cheerful. Intending to gladden the people of his own realm, he returned to the city of Hastināpura, bringing joy to the kingdom and to the capital alike. The scene underscores the king’s duty to secure prosperity and return with auspicious gains for the welfare of his subjects.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rājadharma: a king’s actions should culminate in the welfare and happiness of his own people. The return to the capital with auspicious acquisitions symbolizes responsible governance—bringing benefit back to the realm rather than seeking private gain.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that King Pāṇḍu, having taken the relevant item(s) mentioned earlier, departs and returns to Hastināpura. His mounts are described as joyful, and his purpose is to gladden his kingdom and the city, marking a celebratory homecoming.