Shloka 17
Śikhaṇḍī-janma-nigūḍha-vṛtta (The concealed birth-account of Śikhaṇḍī) | शिखण्डी-जन्म-निगूढ-वृत्त
किमत्र तथ्यं सुश्रोणि मिथ्या कि ब्रूहि शोभने । श्र॒त्वा त्वत्त: शुभं वाक््यं संविधास्याम्यहं तथा
kim atra tathyaṃ suśroṇi mithyā kiṃ brūhi śobhane | śrutvā tvattaḥ śubhaṃ vākyaṃ saṃvidhāsyāmy ahaṃ tathā ||
Bhishma said: “Suśroṇī, tell me plainly what in this matter is true and what is false, O fair one. Having heard the auspicious words that come from you, I shall act accordingly.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Before taking action, one should distinguish truth from falsehood and seek reliable counsel; ethical action (dharma) depends on accurate understanding and well-spoken guidance.
Bhishma addresses a woman with respectful endearments and asks her to clarify what is true and what is false in the situation; he declares that he will act in accordance with her beneficial advice.