Shloka 25
वसुदेव–अर्जुन संवादः
Vasudeva–Arjuna Dialogue in the Aftermath of Dvārakā
त॑ वै चतसृभि: स्त्रीभिरन्वितं पाण्डुनन्दन: । अदाहयच्चन्दनैश्न गन्धैरुच्चावचैरपि,चारों पत्नियोंसे संयुक्त हुए वसुदेवजीके शवका पाण्डुनन्दन अर्जुनने चन्दनकी लकड़ियों तथा नाना प्रकारके सुगन्धित पदार्थोंद्वारा दाह किया
taṁ vai catasṛbhiḥ strībhiḥ anvitaṁ pāṇḍunandanaḥ | adāhayac candanaiś ca gandhair uccāvacair api ||
Vaiśampāyana disse: Então Arjuna, filho de Pāṇḍu, cremou o corpo de Vasudeva, com a presença de suas quatro esposas, usando sândalo e diversas substâncias aromáticas. A passagem ressalta o dever dhármico de honrar os mortos com os ritos apropriados, mesmo em meio ao colapso de uma dinastia, e destaca a contínua dedicação de Arjuna à conduta respeitosa e à responsabilidade familiar.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes dharma expressed as proper saṁskāra (last rites): honoring the deceased with dignity, purity, and due ritual care. Even in times of upheaval, ethical steadiness is shown through respectful conduct toward elders and kin.
After the Yādava catastrophe, Vasudeva has died. Arjuna, acting as a responsible kinsman and protector, performs Vasudeva’s cremation while Vasudeva’s four wives are present, using sandalwood and assorted fragrances as part of the funeral rites.