Shloka 35
Vāraṇāvata-prasaṃsā and the Pāṇḍavas’ Departure (वरणावत-प्रशंसा तथा पाण्डव-प्रयाणम्)
द्रोण उदाच आचक्षध्वं च भीष्माय रूपेण च गुणैश्व माम्
droṇa uvāca | ācakṣadhvaṃ ca bhīṣmāya rūpeṇa ca guṇaiś ca mām |
Droṇa said: “Describe me to Bhīṣma as well—both in my outward form and in my qualities.” In the narrative context, this is a request to be represented truthfully and fully before an elder authority, emphasizing that judgment and recognition should rest not merely on appearance but also on character and merit.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
A person should be assessed and introduced on the basis of both external identity (rūpa) and inner worth (guṇa). Ethical recognition is incomplete if it relies only on appearance or only on claims; it should include demonstrated qualities.
Droṇa instructs others to convey an account of him to Bhīṣma, asking that the description include both his appearance and his qualities—indicating a formal presentation before a respected elder/authority figure.