Shloka 24
Balarāma Slays Balvala and Visits Sacred Tīrthas; He Attempts to Stop Bhīma–Duryodhana
युधिष्ठिरस्तु तं दृष्ट्वा यमौ कृष्णार्जुनावपि । अभिवाद्याभवंस्तुष्णीं किं विवक्षुरिहागत: ॥ २४ ॥
yudhiṣṭhiras tu taṁ dṛṣṭvā yamau kṛṣṇārjunāv api abhivādyābhavaṁs tuṣṇīṁ kiṁ vivakṣur ihāgataḥ
When Yudhiṣṭhira, the twin brothers, Lord Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna saw Lord Balarāma, they bowed to Him with respect, yet remained silent, thinking, “What has He come here to tell us?”
Śrīla Prabhupāda writes: “The reason they were silent was that Lord Balarāma was somewhat affectionate toward Duryodhana, who had learned from Balarāmajī the art of fighting with a club. Thus, when the fighting was going on, King Yudhiṣṭhira and the others thought that Balarāma might have come there to say something in favor of Duryodhana, and therefore they remained silent.”
FAQs
This verse shows that Yudhiṣṭhira, the twins, Kṛṣṇa, and Arjuna first offer greetings and then listen in silence—modeling humility, etiquette, and readiness to hear an important message.
Because they sensed the visitor had come with a specific purpose; after honoring him, they waited attentively to understand what he intended to say.
Offer respect first (in speech and attitude), then listen without interrupting—especially when elders, teachers, or spiritually advanced people come with guidance.