Nara-Nārāyaṇa Precedent and Bhīṣma’s Counsel on Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna; Karṇa’s Reply
बृहस्पतिस्तु पप्रच्छ ब्रह्माणं काविमाविति । भवन्तं नोपतिछेते तौ न: शंस पितामह
Bṛhaspatistu papraccha Brahmāṇaṃ kāvimāv iti | bhavantaṃ nopatiṣṭhete tau naḥ śaṃsa pitāmaha ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Da fragte Bṛhaspati Brahmā: „O Pitāmaha, wer sind diese beiden Weisen? Sie sind nicht einmal aufgestanden, um dich mit gebührender Ehrfurcht zu grüßen. Sage uns, wer sie sind.“
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights dharmic social conduct: honoring elders and revered figures through proper greeting and attendance is a recognized norm, and a breach of it prompts inquiry into the exceptional status or purpose of the persons involved.
In Vaiśampāyana’s narration, Bṛhaspati notices two sages who do not rise or offer formal reverence to Brahmā. He asks Brahmā to identify them and explain their identity to the assembled listeners.