Shloka 19
ततो गान्धारराजस्यथ मन्त्रिवृद्धपुर:सरा । जननी निर्ययौ भीता पुरस्कृत्यार्घ्यमुत्तमम्,तदनन्तर गान्धारराजकी माता अत्यन्त भयभीत होकर बूढ़े मन्त्रियोंको आगे करके उत्तम अर्घ्य ले नगरसे बाहर निकली और रणभूमिमें उपस्थित हुई
tato gāndhārarājasya atha mantrivṛddhapuraḥsarā | jananī niryayau bhītā puraskṛtyārghyam uttamam ||
Then the mother of the king of Gāndhāra, frightened at heart, went out from the city, placing the aged ministers in front as her escort, and carrying a most excellent arghya (honor-offering). She thus approached the scene of conflict, choosing the path of respectful conciliation amid danger—an ethical gesture aimed at averting further harm and honoring the powerful presence before her.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in fearful and violent circumstances, one may choose a dharmic response—approaching with respect, proper protocol, and conciliatory intent (arghya), rather than escalating hostility.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that the Gāndhāra king’s mother, frightened, leaves the city with elderly ministers leading the way and brings an excellent arghya to respectfully approach those present at the battlefield/conflict scene.