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 ||
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは言った。「彼らのために葬送の儀礼を執り行わせたのち、クル族の王ユディシュティラは、ドリタラーシュトラを先頭に立てて、ガンガーへと向かった。」
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.