Shloka 21
संछन्न: स तु वासोभिर्जीवन्निव नराधिप: । शुशुभे स नरव्याप्रो महाहशयनोचित:,इस प्रकार बहुमूल्य शय्यापर शयन करनेयोग्य नरश्रेष्ठ राजा पाण्डुकी अस्थियाँ वस्त्रोंसे आच्छादित हो जीवित मनुष्यकी भाँति शोभा पाने लगीं
saṃchannaḥ sa tu vāsobhir jīvann iva narādhipaḥ | śuśubhe sa naravyāghro mahāśayanocitaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Covered over with garments, the king’s remains appeared as though alive. That tiger among men—worthy of a splendid royal couch—seemed resplendent, as if still possessing the dignity and honor due to a great ruler. The passage underscores the reverence shown to a king even after death and the ethical impulse to preserve royal decorum and respect in funerary rites.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic reverence: even in death, a ruler is treated with honor and proper decorum. Ethical conduct is shown through respectful handling of the body/remains, reflecting societal duties toward the deceased and the maintenance of dignity.
Vaiśampāyana describes the king’s remains being covered with fine garments so that they appear lifelike and splendid—befitting one worthy of a grand royal couch—emphasizing the ceremonial respect surrounding the king after death.