Shloka 23
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Procession, Encampment (Niveśa), and Auspicious Timing for Ritual Action
समनुज्ञाप्य राजानं पुत्रशोकसमाहतम् । धृतराष्ट्रं सभार्य॑ वै पृथां च पृुथुलोचनाम्,प्रस्थानके पूर्व उन्होंने पुत्रशोकसे व्याकुल राजा धूृतराष्ट्र, गान्धारी देवी तथा विशाललोचना कुन्तीसे आज्ञा ले ली थी
samanujñāpya rājānaṃ putraśokasamāhatam | dhṛtarāṣṭraṃ sabhāryaṃ vai pṛthāṃ ca pṛthulocanām ||
Having respectfully taken leave of King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, who was overwhelmed by grief for his sons, and also of his wife (Gāndhārī) and of Pṛthā (Kuntī), the large-eyed queen, they prepared to depart. The verse underscores the ethical propriety of seeking permission from elders and the bereaved before undertaking a significant journey.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic etiquette: before major actions such as departure, one should seek the consent and blessings of elders—especially those burdened by sorrow—showing restraint, respect, and compassion.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that, prior to setting out, the departing party takes formal leave of the grief-stricken King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, along with Gāndhārī and Kuntī (Pṛthā).