SB 1.15.44 (1965)
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
TEXT No. 44
Udichim pravibesasam gatapurvam mahatamabhih Hridi Brahman param dhyanna avarteta yato gatah.
ENGLISH SYNONYMS
Udichim—the northern side, Pravibesasam—those who wanted to enter there, Gatapurvam—the path accepted by his forefathers, Mahatmabhi—by the broad minded, Hridi—within the heart, Brahman—the Supreme, Param—Godhead, Dhyayan—constantly thinking of, Barteta—passed days, Yato—wherever, Gatah—went.
TRANSLATION
He then started towards the northern side, the path which was accepted by his forefathers and great men just to devote himself completely in the thought of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And he lived in that way wherever he went.
PURPORT
It is understood from this verse that Maharaj Yudhisthir followed the foot prints of his forefathers and the great devotees of the Lord. We have discussed many times before, the system of Varnashram Dharma, as it was strictly followed by the inhabitants of the world, specifically by those who inhabited the Aryavarta province of the world, emphasises on the very important point of leaving all household connection at a certain stage of life. The training and education was so imparted and as such a respectable person like Maharaj Yudhisthir must would have left all family connection for self realisation and going back to home going back to Godhead. No king or respectable gentleman would continue family affected life till the end because that was considered suicidal and against the interest of perfection of human life. In order to be free from all family encumbrances and devote oneself cent per cent in the devotional service of Lord Krishna this system is ever recommended for everyone because that is the path of authority. The Lord instructs in the Bhagwat Geeta (B.G. 18/62) that one must become a devotee of the Lord at least at the last stage of one's life and one sincere soul like that of Maharaj Yudhisthir must abide this instruction of the Lord for his own interest.
The specific words Brahman Param means Lord Sri Krishna. This is corroborated in the Bhagwat Geeta (B.G. 10/12) by Arjuna with reference to the context of other great authorities like Asita, Devala, Narada, Vyasa etc. As such Maharaj Yudhisthir while leaving home for the northern side, he constantly remembered Lord Sri Krishna within himself following the foot prints of his forefather as well as great devotees of all times.