Shloka 19
Drupada’s Alarm and Inquiry Regarding Śikhaṇḍinī (द्रुपदस्य भय-विमर्शः)
प्रापयामास राजेन्द्र सह तेन शिखण्डिना । तां पूजां नाभ्यनन्दत् स वाक््यं चेदमुवाच ह,नगरमें आकर वे पुरोहित ब्राह्मण महाराज ट्रुपदसे मिले। पांचालराजने सत्कारपूर्वक उन्हें अर्घ्य तथा गौ अर्पण की। उनके साथ राजकुमार शिखण्डी भी थे। राजेन्द्र! पुरोहितने वह पूजा ग्रहण नहीं की और इस प्रकार कहा--
prāpayāmāsa rājendra saha tena śikhaṇḍinā | tāṁ pūjāṁ nābhyanandat sa vākyaṁ cedam uvāca ha ||
Bhishma said: “O king, he was brought there together with Shikhandin. Yet the priest did not approve of that honor shown to him, and then he spoke these words.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
External honor (pūjā) is not inherently dharmic; a discerning person may refuse ceremonial acceptance when the ethical status of the situation or association is problematic. The verse highlights conscience and moral scrutiny over mere courtly custom.
Bhishma narrates that someone arrived accompanied by Shikhandi and was offered ceremonial honor, but the priest did not welcome or accept that honor and instead began to speak—setting up a forthcoming admonition or principled objection.