Shloka 746
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
निश्चक्रमुर्गृहात् तस्मात् सा वृद्धाथ व्यतिष्ठत । तदनन्तर वे सब कनन््याएँ उस समय ऋषिकी परिक्रमा करके उस घरसे निकल गयीं। केवल वह वृद्धा ही वहाँ ठहरी रही
niścakramur gṛhāt tasmāt sā vṛddhātha vyatiṣṭhata |
Then they all departed from that house; but the old woman remained there, standing her ground. In the narrative frame, the younger maidens complete the respectful rite of circumambulating the sage and leave, while the elder stays behind—suggesting steadfastness, responsibility, or a deliberate intention to speak or serve when others withdraw.
सअद्टावक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic decorum: those who have paid due respect may depart, but true duty can also mean remaining behind—showing steadiness, service, or readiness to take responsibility when others leave.
After leaving the house, the group (contextually, the maidens who have honored the sage) departs; only the elderly woman stays, indicating a shift of focus to her role or forthcoming speech/action.