अध्याय १: महाप्रस्थानारम्भः
The Commencement of the Great Departure
श्वा चैवानुययावेक: प्रस्थितान् पाण्डवान् वनम् | क्रमेण ते ययुर्वीरा लौहित्यं सलिलार्णवम्
śvā caivānuyayāv ekaḥ prasthitān pāṇḍavān vanam | krameṇa te yayur vīrā lauhityaṃ salilārṇavam ||
毗湿摩波耶那说道:般度五子为最后的旅程入林而行时,还有一只狗也随之跟从。英雄们一步一步前进,终于抵达劳希底耶之水——浩瀚如海——这也是他们出离之途上的又一道门槛。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Even in renunciation and the final journey, dharma is tested through small, concrete choices—here signaled by the presence of a faithful dog. The narrative prepares the reader for ethical scrutiny around compassion, loyalty, and the treatment of dependent beings.
As the Pāṇḍavas depart toward the forest on their last path, a lone dog follows them. They continue gradually until they reach Lauhitya, described as a vast, ocean-like body of water, indicating progress through significant geographic and symbolic milestones.