Shloka 30
Kṛṣṇa’s Departure, Auspicious Omens, and the Opening of the Uttaṅka Dialogue (कृष्णप्रयाण-निमित्त-उत्तङ्कसंवाद-प्रारम्भः)
निवेद्य नामधेये स्वे तस्य पादावगृह्नताम् | गान्धार्याश्च पृथायाश्व धर्मराजस्य चैव हि
nivedya nāmadheye sve tasya pādāvagṛhṇatām | gāndhāryāś ca pṛthāyāś ca dharmarājasya caiva hi ||
Having announced their own names, they proceeded to clasp his feet in reverence—those of Gāndhārī, of Pṛthā (Kuntī), and of Dharmarāja (Yudhiṣṭhira) as well. The scene underscores the ethical weight of humility and proper conduct: even amid the aftermath of conflict, one establishes right relationship through truthful self-identification and respectful salutation to elders and rightful authorities.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic etiquette: one should identify oneself truthfully and show due reverence—especially by saluting elders and rightful leaders—thereby restoring moral order and respectful relations even after turmoil.
After stating their names, the persons described approach and pay respects by clasping the feet of the relevant elders/authorities—specifically Gāndhārī, Pṛthā (Kuntī), and Dharmarāja (Yudhiṣṭhira)—marking a formal, reconciliatory act within the Ashvamedhika Parva context.