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 ||
भीष्म ने कहा— महाराज! ऐसा कहकर वे सब निशाचर राक्षस सिर झुकाकर प्रणाम करते हुए राक्षसों के स्वामी राक्षसराज से निवेदन करने लगे।
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.