Shloka 22
Sundopasundayoḥ Tapas–Varadāna–Prasaṅgaḥ
Sunda and Upasunda: Austerities and the Boon
वैशम्पायन उवाच श्रुत्वा तु राधेयवचो धृतराष्ट्र: प्रतापवान् | अभिपूज्य तत: पश्चादिदं वचनमब्रवीत्,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--जनमेजय! कर्णकी बात सुनकर प्रतापी धृतराष्ट्रने उसकी बड़ी सराहना की और तदनन्तर इस प्रकार कहा--
vaiśampāyana uvāca
śrutvā tu rādheyavaco dhṛtarāṣṭraḥ pratāpavān |
abhipūjya tataḥ paścād idaṁ vacanam abravīt ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Having heard the words of Rādheya (Karna), the mighty Dhṛtarāṣṭra praised him with due honor; and then, thereafter, he spoke these words—signaling a courtly response shaped by approval, authority, and the ethical weight of counsel received.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and political importance of receiving counsel with respect: a ruler listens, acknowledges merit through honor, and only then responds. It models restraint and decorum in deliberation—speech is to be met with attentive hearing and appropriate recognition before action or reply.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Dhṛtarāṣṭra hears Karna’s words, praises him, and then begins to speak in reply. The verse functions as a transition into Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s forthcoming statement, marking approval and setting a formal tone for the next exchange.