Shloka 1.57.15
विश्वामित्रस्य दक्षिणतपः तथा त्रिशङ्कोः स्वशरीरेण स्वर्गगमनाभिलाषः (Visvamitra’s Southern Austerity and Trisanku’s Bodily Ascent Aspiration)
सोऽभिगम्य महात्मनस्सर्वानेव गुरोस्सुतान्।।1.57.15।।अभिवाद्यानुपूर्व्येण ह्रिया किञ्चिदवाङ्मुख:।अब्रवीत्सुमहाभगान्सर्वानेव कृताञ्जलि:।।1.57.16।।
so ’bhigamya mahātmanas sarvān eva guros sutān || 1.57.15 ||
abhivādyānupūrvyena hriyā kiñcid avāṅmukhaḥ |
abravīt sumahābhagān sarvān eva kṛtāñjaliḥ || 1.57.16 ||
Approaching all the great-souled sons of his guru, he paid homage to them in due order; then, with modesty, his face slightly lowered, and with hands folded, he addressed all those highly fortunate sages.
The king, having approached all the illustrious sons of his spiritual guide, paid obeisance to them in order of seniority. Bowing down his face in humility and with folded palms, he addressed all those distinguished sons of Vasishta saying:
Dharma here is maryādā: proper conduct toward elders and ascetics—salutation in seniority order, humility, and respectful speech—showing that spiritual authority is approached through reverence, not entitlement.
Triśaṅku meets Vasiṣṭha’s sons after being refused by Vasiṣṭha, and he begins his request by formally paying respects.
Humility and etiquette (vinaya): the king lowers his face and folds his hands, embodying respectful approach even while pursuing a contentious goal.