Shloka 5
Vivāha-dharma: Kanyā-pradāna, Śulka, and Pāṇigrahaṇa-niṣṭhā (अनुशासन पर्व, अध्याय ४४)
सा तमालोक्य सहसा प्रत्युत्थातुमियेष ह । रूपेण विस्मिता को$सीत्यथ वक्तुमिवेच्छती
sā tam ālokya sahasā pratyutthātum iyeṣa ha | rūpeṇa vismitā ko'sīty atha vaktum ivecchatī ||
Bhishma said: “Seeing him, she at once felt moved to rise in respectful welcome. Astonished by the beauty of his form, she seemed as though she wished to ask, ‘Who are you?’”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic conduct expressed through pratyutthāna—rising to honor a guest or revered person. Ethical sensitivity is shown: reverence is offered promptly, and one seeks to know the visitor’s identity respectfully, especially when encountering signs of divinity.
A woman sees Indra and, struck by his splendid appearance, immediately feels compelled to stand up to welcome him. Her amazement is so great that she seems about to ask him directly who he is.