Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 6
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
तान् दृष्ट्वा सहसोत्थाय प्रागासीना नृपादय: । पाण्डवा: कृष्णरामौ च प्रणेमुर्विश्ववन्दितान् ॥ ६ ॥
tān dṛṣṭvā sahasotthāya prāg āsīnā nṛpādayaḥ pāṇḍavāḥ kṛṣṇa-rāmau ca praṇemur viśva-vanditān
As soon as they saw the sages approaching, the kings and other gentlemen who had been seated immediately stood up, including the Pāṇḍava brothers and Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma. They all then bowed down to the sages, who are honored throughout the universe.
FAQs
It shows ideal dharmic conduct: when revered personalities arrive, even kings rise, and great devotees like the Pāṇḍavas—along with Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma—offer respectful obeisances, demonstrating humility and honor toward the worshipable.
Because those present were “viśva-vandita”—universally honored personalities—so offering praṇāma was the appropriate expression of reverence and proper Vaiṣṇava/Vedic etiquette within the assembly.
Practice respectful conduct: stand up to greet elders/teachers, offer sincere gratitude, and cultivate humility by honoring spiritually advanced people and virtuous leaders rather than demanding honor for oneself.