Shloka 11
Vidurovācā: Śreyas, Mantra, and Conciliation toward the Pāṇḍavas (विदुरोवाच—श्रेयः-मन्त्र-समाधानम्)
ततः समाधाय स वेदपारगो जुहाव मन्त्रैज्वलितं हुताशनम् । युधिष्ठिरं चाप्युपनीय मन्त्रवि- ज्रियोजयामास सहैव कृष्णया,तत्पश्चात् वेदके पारंगत विद्वान् मन्त्रज्ञ पुरोहित धौम्यने (वेदीपर) प्रज्वलित अग्निकी स्थापना करके उसमें मन्त्रोंद्रारा आहुति दी और युधिष्ठिरको बुलाकर कृष्णाके साथ उनका गँठबन्धन कर दिया
tataḥ samādhāya sa vedapārago juhāva mantrair jvalitaṃ hutāśanam | yudhiṣṭhiraṃ cāpy upanīya mantravij jriyōjayāmāsa sahaiva kṛṣṇayā ||
Then the Veda-knowing priest, having duly arranged the rite, offered oblations with sacred mantras into the blazing fire. Next, bringing Yudhiṣṭhira forward, the expert in mantras solemnized his marriage with Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī), joining them in the prescribed nuptial bond—an act that frames the union as a dharmic, publicly witnessed commitment rather than a private desire.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes that major life-transitions—especially marriage—are to be grounded in dharma: publicly affirmed, ritually sanctified, and guided by learned officiants. The sacred fire and mantras symbolize accountability, purity of intention, and social-ethical legitimacy.
A Veda-trained priest kindles the sacrificial fire and offers oblations with mantras. He then brings Yudhiṣṭhira forward and formally joins him with Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī) through the prescribed marriage rite, establishing their union as a duly performed, witnessed ceremony.