Shloka 18
Uttara’s Resolve and Draupadī’s Identification of Bṛhannadā as Charioteer (विराट पर्व, अध्याय ३४)
वादित्राणि च सर्वाणि गणिकाश्व स्वलंकृता: । एतां चाज्ञां तत: श्रुत्वा राज्ञा मत्स्येन नोदिता: । तामाज्ञां शिरसा कृत्वा प्रस्थिता हृष्टमानसा:,'सब प्रकारके बाजे बजाये जायँ और वेश्याएँ भी सज-धजकर तैयार रहें।' मत्स्ययाजकी इस आज्ञाको सुनकर उसे शिरोधार्य करके दूत प्रसन्नचित्त होकर चले
vāditrāṇi ca sarvāṇi gaṇikāś ca suvalaṅkṛtāḥ | etāṃ cājñāṃ tataḥ śrutvā rājñā matsyena noditāḥ | tām ājñāṃ śirasā kṛtvā prasthitā hṛṣṭamānasāḥ ||
“Bunyikanlah semua alat musik, dan biarlah para ganikā (penghibur istana) juga berhias dan bersiap.” Mendengar titah Raja Matsya, para utusan menerimanya dengan hormat dan berangkat dengan hati bersukacita.
(वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined obedience within social and royal order: a king’s directive is received with respect (śirasā kṛtvā), and duty is carried out promptly and cheerfully—an ethic of responsible service and protocol.
In the Matsya court context, King Matsya issues instructions for public festivity—music to be played and entertainers to be prepared. The messengers, pleased and respectful, accept the order and depart to implement it.