Shloka 44
Chapter 26: Śoka-pratiṣedha, Hata-saṅkhyā, Gati-vibhāga, Pretakārya-ājñā
Restraint of Grief, Count of the Slain, Destinies, and Funerary Directives
कारयित्वा क्रियास्तेषां कुरुराजो युधिष्ठिर: । धृतराष्ट्रं पुरस्कृत्य गड्जामभिमुखो5गमत्,इस प्रकार उन सबका दाहकर्म कराकर कुरुराज युधिष्छिर धृतराष्ट्रको आगे करके गंगाजीकी ओर चले गये
kārayitvā kriyās teṣāṃ kururājo yudhiṣṭhiraḥ | dhṛtarāṣṭraṃ puraskṛtya gaṅgām abhimukho 'gamat ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: After having the funerary rites performed for them, Yudhiṣṭhira—the king of the Kurus—set out toward the Gaṅgā, placing Dhṛtarāṣṭra at the forefront. The movement underscores a dharmic transition from the obligations of mourning and last rites to acts of purification and reconciliation in the aftermath of war.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in action: even amid grief and political upheaval, the king must ensure proper last rites for the dead and then proceed toward purification and social-ethical restoration, honoring elders (Dhṛtarāṣṭra) despite the conflict’s bitterness.
After arranging the cremation and related rites for the slain, Yudhiṣṭhira departs toward the river Gaṅgā, respectfully placing Dhṛtarāṣṭra at the head of the procession, signaling a shift from mourning rituals to a journey associated with cleansing and further rites.