Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 66
Devaśarmā–Vipula Dialogue on Ahorātra–Ṛtu as Moral Witnesses (अनुशासन पर्व, अध्याय ४३)
निवेद्य मानसं चापि तृष्णीमासन्नधोमुखा: । शत्रुदमन! तब वे देवता ब्रह्माजीके पास गये और उनसे अपने मनकी बात निवेदन करके मुँह नीचे किये चुपचाप बैठ गये
nivedya mānasaṃ cāpi tṛṣṇīm āsann adhomukhāḥ | śatrudamana! tataḥ te devatā brahmājīke pāsa gaye aura unse apane manakī bāta nivedana karke mũha nīce kiye chupacāpa baiṭh gaye |
Bhishma dit : «Après avoir fait connaître ce qu’ils portaient en leur esprit, ils se turent, le visage baissé. Alors ces dieux allèrent auprès de Brahmā et, lui ayant soumis leur inquiétude intérieure, s’assirent en silence, les yeux abaissés.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic conduct in seeking guidance: one should present one’s inner concern respectfully, then remain composed and patient. Humility (adhomukhatā) and restraint (tṛṣṇīm) are portrayed as appropriate attitudes before a higher moral or cosmic authority.
The gods, troubled by some matter, approach Brahmā. After conveying their mental burden/petition, they fall silent and sit with lowered faces, awaiting Brahmā’s response—signaling both reverence and the gravity of their request.