Shloka 28
Chapter 26: Śoka-pratiṣedha, Hata-saṅkhyā, Gati-vibhāga, Pretakārya-ājñā
Restraint of Grief, Count of the Slain, Destinies, and Funerary Directives
चन्दनागुरुकाष्ठानि तथा कालीयकान्युत । घृतं तैलं च गन्धांश्व क्षौमाणि वसनानि च
candanāgurukāṣṭhāni tathā kālīyakāny uta | ghṛtaṃ tailaṃ ca gandhāṃś ca kṣaumāṇi vasanāni ca ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “They brought sandalwood and aloe-wood pieces, as well as kālīyaka (a prized aromatic paste); also ghee and oil, various fragrances, and fine linen and garments.” In the aftermath of war, the narrative turns from violence to rites of care—gathering pure, fragrant, and valuable materials to honor the dead with dignity and proper funerary observance.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid overwhelming grief after war, dharma expresses itself through respectful, orderly rites: providing pure and fitting materials to honor the departed, affirming human dignity and social responsibility.
In Strī Parva’s mourning context, preparations are being made with fragrant woods, oils, ghee, perfumes, and fine cloth—items typically used for anointing, offerings, and dignified funerary arrangements for those slain.