Shloka 12
ततो भीष्म॑ शांतनवं विदुरं च महामतिम् | द्रोणं च बाह्विकं चैव सोमदत्तं च कौरवम्,तदनन्तर युधिष्ठिरने शंतनुनन्दन भीष्म, परम बुद्धिमान् विदुर, द्रोण, बाह्विक, कुरुवंशी सोमदत्त, कृपाचार्य, अश्वत्थामा, भूरिश्रवा, अन्यान्य माननीय मन्त्रियों, तपस्वी ब्राह्मणों, पुरोहितों, पुरवासियों तथा यशस्विनी गान्धारीदेवीसे मिलकर धीरे-धीरे दीनभावसे इस प्रकार कहा--
tato bhīṣmaṃ śāṃtanavaṃ viduraṃ ca mahāmatim | droṇaṃ ca bāhvikaṃ caiva somadattaṃ ca kauravam ||
Then Yudhiṣṭhira approached Bhīṣma, son of Śāntanu, and the supremely wise Vidura; he also met Droṇa, Bāhlīka, and Somadatta of the Kuru line. Thereafter, having greeted other revered elders, ministers, ascetic brāhmaṇas, household priests, and the citizens—together with the illustrious queen Gāndhārī—he spoke slowly, with a subdued and humble bearing.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
In moments of high consequence, dharma is upheld by approaching elders and the wise with humility, honoring their status, and seeking counsel before speaking or acting. The verse highlights reverence, restraint, and consultation as ethical foundations of leadership.
Yudhiṣṭhira goes to prominent Kuru elders—Bhīṣma, Vidura, Droṇa, Bāhlīka, and Somadatta (and, by context, other respected figures including Gāndhārī)—and, after paying respects, begins to speak in a subdued and respectful manner.