Shloka 14
युधिष्ठिरस्य राज्याभिषेकः | Yudhiṣṭhira’s Royal Consecration
उपवेश्य महात्मानं कृष्णां च द्रुपदात्मजाम् । जुहाव पावकं धीमान् विधिमन्त्रपुरस्कृतम्
upaveśya mahātmānaṃ kṛṣṇāṃ ca drupadātmajām | juhāva pāvakaṃ dhīmān vidhimantrapuraskṛtam ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana berkata: Setelah mendudukkan raja yang berhati luhur serta Kṛṣṇā, puteri Drupada, pendeta yang bijaksana menyalakan api suci dan mempersembahkan korban ke dalamnya, menurut tertib upacara dengan mantra-mantra yang ditetapkan. Adegan ini menegaskan pendirian Mahābhārata bahawa walau di tengah krisis politik dan bayang-bayang perang, tindakan yang benar mesti berakar pada dharma—disahkan di hadapan umum melalui ritus Veda, kesucian, dan niat yang berdisiplin.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that dharmic action is not merely intention but disciplined practice: major decisions and transitions are framed through lawful ritual (vidhi) and mantra, emphasizing purity, order, and accountability before the sacred.
A formal rite is being conducted: the principal figures (the noble king and Draupadī) are seated, and the officiant performs a fire-offering (homa), kindling Agni and making oblations according to prescribed procedure and mantras.