Shloka 23
भीष्मद्रोणयोर्दुर्योधनं प्रति शमोपदेशः | Bhīṣma and Droṇa’s Counsel of Conciliation to Duryodhana
पाण्डवान् कुशल पृच्छे: सपुत्रान् कृष्णया सह,जनार्दन! तुम मेरी ओरसे द्रौपदी और पुत्रोंसहित पाण्डवोंसे कुशल पूछना और फिर मुझे भी सकुशल बताना। जाओ, तुम्हारा मार्ग मंगलमय हो, मेरे पुत्रोंकी रक्षा करना
pāṇḍavān kuśalaṃ pṛccha saputrān kṛṣṇayā saha | janārdana! tvaṃ mama orase draupadīṃ ca putrān saha pāṇḍavebhyaḥ kuśalaṃ pṛccha, tataḥ mām api sukuśalaṃ brūhi | gaccha, tava mārgo maṅgalamayaḥ bhavatu; mama putrāṇāṃ rakṣāṃ kuru ||
Der Sohn sprach: „O Janārdana, erkundige dich in meinem Namen nach dem Wohlergehen der Pāṇḍava—zusammen mit ihren Söhnen und mit Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī)—und kehre dann zurück, um mir zu melden, dass auch sie wohlbehalten sind. Geh nun; möge dein Weg glückverheißend sein. Beschütze meine Söhne.“
पुत्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a tense political moment, the speaker prioritizes welfare, auspicious conduct, and protection of dependents. The verse models dharmic communication: inquire after others’ well-being, speak respectfully, and uphold one’s duty to safeguard the vulnerable.
A son addresses Janārdana (Kṛṣṇa) as a trusted messenger, asking him to convey greetings and inquire about the Pāṇḍavas’ welfare—along with Draupadī and their sons—and then return with news. He also entrusts Kṛṣṇa with the protection of his own sons while the mission proceeds.