Shloka 21
Prajñā as Pratiṣṭhā — Indra–Kāśyapa Saṃvāda (Śānti-parva 12.173)
इत्यूचुस्ते महाराज राक्षसेन्द्रं निशाचरा: । शिरोभशि: प्रणता: सर्वे व्याहरन् राक्षसधिपम्
ity ūcus te mahārāja rākṣasendraṃ niśācarāḥ | śirobhis praṇatāḥ sarve vyāharan rākṣasadhipam ||
Bhīṣma dit : « Ô grand roi, après avoir parlé ainsi, tous ces rākṣasas rôdeurs de la nuit s’inclinèrent, la tête soumise, et s’adressèrent à leur seigneur, le roi des rākṣasas. »
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights social and political order: even fierce beings like rākṣasas observe hierarchy and protocol—speaking to their leader only after bowing—implying that disciplined conduct and respect for authority are foundational to any organized community.
After making a statement (from the preceding context), the assembled niśācaras (rākṣasas) collectively bow their heads and then address their ruler, the rākṣasa-lord, indicating a formal audience or counsel before their king.