Kīcaka-vadha-pratisaṃjñā: Rumor in Matsya and the Kaurava Scouts’ Report (कीचकवध-प्रतिसंज्ञा)
तेषां तद् वचन श्रुत्वा विराटो वाहिनीपति: । अब्रवीत् क्रियतामेषां सूतानां परमक्रिया,उनकी वह बात सुनकर सेनाओंके स्वामी राजा विराटने कहा--“इन सूतपुत्रोंका अन्त्येष्टि-संस्कार किया जाय
teṣāṃ tad vacanaṃ śrutvā virāṭo vāhinīpatiḥ | abravīt kriyatām eṣāṃ sūtānāṃ paramakriyā ||
Nghe lời họ, vua Virāṭa, vị thống lĩnh đại quân, phán rằng: “Hãy cử hành tang lễ (nghi thức cuối cùng) cho những người con của giới sūta này.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights dharma in the form of honoring the dead through proper final rites (paramakriyā/antyeṣṭi). Even amid violence and social distinctions, a ruler is expected to ensure dignified rites, reflecting compassion and responsibility.
After hearing a report or request, King Virāṭa, as commander of the forces, issues an order that the funeral rites be carried out for the fallen sūta-sons, indicating immediate administrative and moral action following deaths in the conflict.