Shloka 16
अभिवाद्याथ कौन्तेय: पितामहमरिंदम । द्वैपायनादीन वि्रांश्न तैश्न प्रत्यभिनन्दित:
abhivādyātha kaunteyaḥ pitāmaham ariṃdama | dvaipāyanādīn viprāṃś ca taiś ca pratyabhinanditaḥ ||
Kemudian putra Kunti, penakluk musuh, terlebih dahulu bersujud hormat kepada Sang Kakek Agung. Sesudah itu ia memberi salam takzim kepada Vyasa dan para brahmana lainnya; dan mereka pun menyambutnya dengan kata-kata yang selaras dengan dharma.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic conduct through proper reverence: a righteous person, even if powerful, first honors elders and spiritual authorities (Bhīṣma, Vyāsa, and brāhmaṇas). Mutual greeting reinforces social and ethical order grounded in humility and respect.
Kuntī’s son approaches and first pays obeisance to the Grandsire Bhīṣma, then bows to Vyāsa and other brāhmaṇas. They respond by welcoming and acknowledging him, marking a formal, respectful encounter before further instruction or discourse.