Shloka 17
Adhyāya 152: Kaurava-sainyavibhāgaḥ
Division and Standardization of the Kaurava Host
प्रयाणं घुष्यतामद्य श्वोभूत इति मा चिरम् | ते तथेति प्रतिज्ञाय श्वोभूते चक्रिरे तथा
prayāṇaṃ ghuṣyatām adya śvobhūta iti mā ciram | te tatheti pratijñāya śvobhūte cakrire tathā ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: “Let the departure be proclaimed today—‘tomorrow at daybreak’—without delay.” They assented, saying “So be it,” and, having pledged thus, they made the arrangements accordingly for the next morning.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights two ethical imperatives in governance and collective action: avoid procrastination in critical duties, and uphold commitments once made (pratijñā). Publicly announcing a fixed time for departure binds the group to disciplined follow-through.
An order is given to announce the imminent departure—today the proclamation is made that the party will set out at dawn tomorrow. Those addressed agree (“tathā”) and, having pledged, they proceed to make the necessary preparations accordingly.