Shloka 26
Drupada’s Alarm and Inquiry Regarding Śikhaṇḍinī (द्रुपदस्य भय-विमर्शः)
तमागम्य तु राजानं दशार्णाधिपतिं तदा । तद् वाक्यमाददे राजन यदुक्तं द्रुपदेन ह,राजन! उन्होंने दशार्णनरेशके पास आकर द्रुपदने जो कुछ कहा था, वह सब दुहरा दिया
tam āgamya tu rājānaṃ daśārṇādhipatiṃ tadā | tad vākyam ādade rājan yad uktaṃ drupadena ha ||
Having approached the king, the ruler of Daśārṇa, he repeated—O King—those very words that had been spoken by Drupada.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dūta-dharma (the ethics of a messenger): one should transmit another’s message exactly as spoken—truthfully, without alteration—especially in royal and diplomatic contexts where words can shape peace or conflict.
In Bhīṣma’s account, a messenger reaches the king of Daśārṇa and repeats verbatim the statement previously made by Drupada, ensuring the recipient hears Drupada’s words as intended.