Shloka 23
Drupada’s Alarm and Inquiry Regarding Śikhaṇḍinī (द्रुपदस्य भय-विमर्शः)
अभवद्ू भरतश्रेष्ठ द्रपद: प्रणयानतः,भरतश्रेष्ठ! तब राजा ट्रुपद प्रेमसे विनीत हो गये और इस प्रकार बोले--'ब्रह्मन्! आपने मेरे सम्बन्धीके कथनानुसार जो बात मुझे सुनायी है, इसका उत्तर मेरा दूत स्वयं जाकर राजाको देगा”
abhavad bharataśreṣṭha drupadaḥ praṇayānataḥ | bharataśreṣṭha! tataḥ rājā drupadaḥ premnā vinītaḥ sañjātaḥ evaṃ ca uvāca— “brahman! bhavatā mama sambandhino vacanānusāreṇa yā kathā me śrāvitā, tasyā uttaraṃ mama dūtaḥ svayaṃ gatvā rājñe dāsyati।”
Bhishma said: “O best of the Bharatas, Drupada, softened by affection, became humble. Then, with respectful warmth, he spoke: ‘O Brahmin, what you have conveyed to me in accordance with my kinsman’s message—my own envoy will go in person and deliver my reply to the king.’”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid political tension, dharma favors restraint and courteous communication: affection (praṇaya) can soften pride, and a king should respond through proper channels—respectfully, clearly, and without impulsive escalation.
Bhishma narrates that King Drupada, moved by affection and becoming humble, addresses a Brahmin messenger. Drupada says that the message he has heard will be answered not immediately in anger or haste, but through his own envoy who will personally deliver the reply to the other king.