Nara-Nārāyaṇa Precedent and Bhīṣma’s Counsel on Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna; Karṇa’s Reply
भीष्मस्य तु वच: श्रुत्वा भारद्वाजो महामना: । धृतराष्ट्रमुवाचेदं राजमध्येडभिपूजयन्
bhīṣmasya tu vacaḥ śrutvā bhāradvājo mahāmanāḥ | dhṛtarāṣṭram uvācedaṃ rājamadhye ’bhipūjayan ||
فلما سمع بهارادفاجا (درونا) ذو النفس العظيمة كلامَ بهيشما، أكرمه ومجّده في وسط الملوك المجتمعين، ثم خاطب الملك دريتاراشترا قائلاً على هذا النحو.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights the dharmic norm of honoring wise and senior counsel publicly: even when decisions are contentious, ethical deliberation begins with respect, acknowledgment, and orderly speech in the royal assembly.
After Bhīṣma speaks, Droṇa (called Bhāradvāja) praises/ सम्मान करता है Bhīṣma in front of the gathered kings and then turns to address King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, setting up the next portion of counsel or argument.