Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 16
अभिवाद्याथ कौन्तेय: पितामहमरिंदम । द्वैपायनादीन वि्रांश्न तैश्न प्रत्यभिनन्दित:
abhivādyātha kaunteyaḥ pitāmaham ariṃdama | dvaipāyanādīn viprāṃś ca taiś ca pratyabhinanditaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then the son of Kuntī, the subduer of foes, first bowed in reverence to the Grandsire. After that he respectfully saluted Vyāsa and the other brāhmaṇas; and they, in turn, received him with words of welcome and approval—for honoring elders and teachers is itself a mark of dharma.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic conduct through proper reverence: a righteous person, even if powerful, first honors elders and spiritual authorities (Bhīṣma, Vyāsa, and brāhmaṇas). Mutual greeting reinforces social and ethical order grounded in humility and respect.
Kuntī’s son approaches and first pays obeisance to the Grandsire Bhīṣma, then bows to Vyāsa and other brāhmaṇas. They respond by welcoming and acknowledging him, marking a formal, respectful encounter before further instruction or discourse.