Shloka 27
भीष्मदर्शनार्थं प्रस्थानम्
Departure to Behold Bhīṣma
स तै: परिवृतो राजा नक्षत्रैरिव चन्द्रमा: । अभ्याजगाम गाड़िेयं ब्रह्माणमिव वासव:,नक्षत्रोंसे घिरे हुए चन्द्रमाकी भाँति भाइयोंसे घिरे हुए राजा युधिष्ठिर गड्जानन्दन भीष्मके समीप गये, मानो देवराज इन्द्र ब्रद्माजीके निकट पधारे हों
sa taiḥ parivṛto rājā nakṣatrair iva candramāḥ | abhyājagāma gāṅgeyaṃ brahmāṇam iva vāsavaḥ ||
Surrounded by them, the king—like the moon encircled by the stars—approached Bhīṣma, the son of the Gaṅgā, just as Vāsava (Indra) approaches Brahmā.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even a victorious ruler must seek ethical clarity from those grounded in dharma. The imagery of Indra approaching Brahmā highlights humility before higher wisdom, and the moon-with-stars simile emphasizes rightful leadership supported by companions.
Yudhiṣṭhira, accompanied by his brothers/companions, goes to Bhīṣma (lying as the revered elder-teacher) to receive instruction on dharma and governance in the aftermath of the war.