Mahabharata — Mahaprasthanika Parva, Shloka 7
अध्याय १: महाप्रस्थानारम्भः
The Commencement of the Great Departure
अभिषिच्य स्वराज्ये च राजानं च परिक्षितम् | दुःखार्तश्लाब्रवीद् राजा सुभद्रां पाण्डवाग्रज:
abhīṣicya svarājye ca rājānaṃ ca parīkṣitam | duḥkhārtaś cābravīd rājā subhadrāṃ pāṇḍavāgrajaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Matapos italaga sa pagkapuno si Haring Parīkṣit upang maghari sa kaharian, si Yudhiṣṭhira—ang panganay sa mga Pāṇḍava—na nilamon ng dalamhati, ay nagsalita kay Subhadrā.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even at the moment of personal despair, dharma requires orderly succession and protection of the realm. The anointing of Parīkṣit before withdrawal underscores that renunciation is not escapism; it is preceded by fulfilling one’s public duty and ensuring continuity of righteous governance.
After installing Parīkṣit as king, Yudhiṣṭhira—eldest of the Pāṇḍavas—speaks to Subhadrā in grief. This sets the emotional and ethical backdrop for the Pāṇḍavas’ final departure, showing both the completion of their royal obligations and the sorrow that accompanies their decision to leave worldly life.