Shloka 20
भीष्मदर्शनार्थं प्रस्थानम्
Departure to Behold Bhīṣma
रथस्था: संविदं कृत्वा सुखां पृष्टवा च शर्वरीम्
rathasthāḥ saṃvidaṃ kṛtvā sukhāṃ pṛṣṭvā ca śarvarīm
Seated upon their chariots, they conferred together; and having exchanged courteous inquiries about one another’s well-being, they passed the night in comfort.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dhārmic comportment: even in charged circumstances, one should act with restraint, consult calmly, and maintain courteous concern for others’ welfare—ethical order expressed through speech and behavior.
The narrator describes a scene where the parties, remaining on their chariots, hold a consultation and exchange polite inquiries about well-being, then spend the night comfortably—marking a pause of organized, controlled interaction.