Shloka 28
Śānti-parva 168: Śoka-nivṛtti-buddhi (The Cognition that Reduces Grief) and Piṅgalā’s Nairāśya
वैशग्पायन उवाच विरेमतुस्तु तद् वाक्यमुक्त्वा तावश्चिनो:सुतौ । भीमसेनस्तदा वाक्यमिदं वक्तुं प्रचक्रमे
vaiśampāyana uvāca | virematuḥ tu tad vākyam uktvā tau aśvinoḥ sutau | bhīmasenaḥ tadā vākyam idaṁ vaktuṁ pracakrame |
वैशम्पायन बोले—जनमेजय! यह वचन कहकर अश्विनीकुमारों के वे दोनों पुत्र—नकुल और सहदेव—चुप हो गए। तब भीमसेन ने इस प्रकार कहना आरम्भ किया।
वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse functions as a narrative hinge: after Nakula and Sahadeva conclude, Bhīma begins, indicating that dharma is examined through multiple voices and perspectives, with each speaker adding a distinct ethical emphasis.
Vaiśampāyana reports to King Janamejaya that Nakula and Sahadeva have finished speaking and fallen silent; immediately afterward, Bhīmasena starts his own statement, continuing the ongoing deliberation.