Shloka 16
उपहार-विधानम्, यक्षपूजा, रत्ननिध्युद्धारः
Offerings to Tryambaka; Yakṣa honors; Excavation of the Treasure
ततो निशा सा व्यगमन्महात्मनां संशृण्वतां विप्रसमीरिता गिर: | ततः प्रभाते विमले द्विजर्षभा वचोडब्रुवन् धर्मसुतं नराधिपम्
tato niśā sā vyagaman mahātmanāṃ saṃśṛṇvatāṃ vipra-samīritā giraḥ | tataḥ prabhāte vimale dvijarṣabhā vaco ’bruvan dharmasutaṃ narādhipam ||
Then that night passed safely for the great-souled Pāṇḍavas as they listened to the words spoken by the brāhmaṇas. When the pure, clear dawn arose, those foremost among the twice-born addressed Dharmasuta Yudhiṣṭhira, the king of men, with their counsel—signaling that ethical instruction and right conduct were to guide the next course of action.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical posture of righteous rule: the king and his companions listen attentively to learned brāhmaṇas, allowing deliberation and dharma-guided counsel to shape action—especially at moments of transition and decision.
After spending the night listening to the brāhmaṇas’ words, the Pāṇḍavas reach morning; at dawn the foremost brāhmaṇas begin to address Yudhiṣṭhira, indicating the continuation of instruction or advice directed to the king.