Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 1
Kuntī’s Prayers and the Neutralization of the Brahmāstra
Uttarā Protected; Yudhiṣṭhira’s Grief Begins
सूत उवाच अथ ते सम्परेतानां स्वानामुदकमिच्छताम् । दातुं सकृष्णा गङ्गायां पुरस्कृत्य ययु: स्त्रिय: ॥ १ ॥
sūta uvāca atha te samparetānāṁ svānām udakam icchatām dātuṁ sakṛṣṇā gaṅgāyāṁ puraskṛtya yayuḥ striyaḥ
苏陀说道：随后，般度五子欲以祭水（tarpaṇa）奉献给已逝亲族，便与德罗帕蒂同往恒河；诸位妇人走在前方。
To date it is the custom in Hindu society to go to the Ganges or any other sacred river to take bath when death occurs in the family. Each of the family members pours out a potful of the Ganges water for the departed soul and walks in a procession, with the ladies in the front. The Pāṇḍavas also followed the rules more than five thousand years ago. Lord Kṛṣṇa, being a cousin of the Pāṇḍavas, was also amongst the family members.
FAQs
This verse notes that the women went to the Gaṅgā to offer udaka (water-libations) for their departed relatives, showing that such rites are part of dharmic conduct even for great devotees.
They went to perform oblations for those who had passed away, and Kṛṣṇa led them—indicating His protective, guiding presence for His devotees after the trauma of Kurukṣetra.
Perform one’s duties for family and ancestors with sincerity, while seeking the Lord’s shelter—balancing devotion with responsible, compassionate tradition.