Shloka 66
Adhyāya 42 (Śānti Parva): Śrāddha, Aurdhvadaihika Rites, and Royal Welfare Measures
उद्दिश्योद्दिश्य तेषां च चक्रे राजौर्ध्वदेहिकम् । इनके सिवा जो दूसरे भूपाल थे, जिनके सुहृद् या सम्बन्धी जीवित नहीं थे, उन सबके उद्देश्यसे राजा युधिष्ठिरने श्राद्ध-कर्म किया
uddiśyoddiśya teṣāṁ ca cakre rājordhvadehikam |
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Sa pag-alaala sa kanila isa-isa, isinagawa ni Haring Yudhiṣṭhira ang mga ritwal na panghuling-alaala (śrāddha) para sa kanila rin—lalo na para sa iba pang mga haring nasawi na walang natitirang kaibigan o kamag-anak na makapaghahandog ng mga alay. Sa ganitong paraan, pinalawak ng hari ang pananagutang dharmiko lampas sa sariling panig, at pinarangalan ang mga yumao nang walang kinikilingan matapos ang pagwasak ng digmaan.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even after victory, a ruler’s dharma includes honoring the dead and ensuring proper rites for those who have no one left to perform them. Ethical responsibility extends beyond one’s own allies to all who suffered in the conflict.
In the aftermath of the great war, Yudhiṣṭhira arranges and performs ūrdhvadehika (śrāddha/post-funeral) rites, naming the departed individually, including fallen kings who lacked surviving relatives or friends to conduct the ceremonies.