Shloka 16
उद्योगपर्व — अध्याय १२५: दुर्योधनस्य प्रत्युत्तरम्
Duryodhana’s Reply in the Kuru Assembly
अर्जुनेन यमाभ्यां च त्रिभिस्तैरभिवादित: । मूर्थ्नि तान् समुपाप्राय प्रेम्णाभिवद पार्थिव,“राजन! अर्जुन और नकुल-सहदेव--ये तीनों भाई तुम्हें प्रणाम करें और तुम उनके मस्तक सूँघकर उनके साथ प्रेमपूर्वक वार्तालाप करो
arjunena yamābhyāṃ ca tribhis tair abhivāditaḥ | mūrdhni tān samupāprāya premṇābhivada pārthiva ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “O king, Arjuna together with the twin brothers, Nakula and Sahadeva—all three—have bowed to you. Go up to them, smell their heads in affectionate acceptance, and greet them warmly, speaking with them in love.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic etiquette within family and polity: juniors show reverence through obeisance, and the elder/king responds with affectionate acceptance (symbolized by smelling the head) and gentle speech—restoring bonds through respectful conduct.
Vaiśampāyana describes a moment of formal greeting: Arjuna and the twin brothers Nakula and Sahadeva have paid respects to a king/elder, and the king is urged to approach them, affectionately acknowledge them by smelling their heads, and converse with them warmly.