Shloka 17
Śalya-parva Adhyāya 34: Balarāma’s Withdrawal, Sarasvatī Pilgrimage Logistics, and Prabhāsa as Soma’s Renewal Tīrtha
उसी प्रकार वे राजा भी उनसे मिलकर उनके आरोग्यका समाचार पूछने लगे। हलधरने सम्पूर्ण महामनस्वी क्षत्रियोंका समादर करके अवस्थाके अनुसार क्रमश: उनसे कुशल- मंगलकी जिज्ञासा की और श्रीकृष्ण तथा सात्यकिको प्रेमपूर्वक छातीसे लगा लिया ।। मूर्थ्नि चैतावुपाप्राय कुशलं पर्यपृच्छत । तौच तं विधिवद् राजन् पूजयामासतुर्गुरुम्
mūrdhni caitāv upāprāya kuśalaṃ paryapṛcchat | tau ca taṃ vidhivad rājan pūjayāmāsatur gurum ||
Sañjaya said: Approaching them and bowing his head in reverence, he inquired after their welfare. And those two, O King, duly honored him as their revered elder and teacher—observing the etiquette of respect and affectionate regard even amid the pressures of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dhārmic conduct through proper etiquette: inquiring after another’s welfare and honoring elders/teachers (guru) according to prescribed norms (vidhivat). Even in a war setting, restraint, respect, and affectionate civility remain virtues.
Balarāma (implied) approaches Kṛṣṇa and Sātyaki, greets them respectfully, and asks about their well-being. In return, the two honor him in the proper manner as a revered elder/teacher, reflecting mutual respect among leading Yādava figures.