Shloka 16
अथोपेत्य महाबाहुरभिवाद्य पितामहम् । अतिष्ठत् प्राञ्जलि: प्रह्न:ः कि करोमीति चाब्रवीत्,तब महाबाहु अर्जुन पितामह भीष्मके पास जाकर उन्हें प्रणाम करके हाथ जोड़े खड़े हो गये और विनयपूर्वक बोले--“मेरे लिये क्या आज्ञा है, मैं कौन-सी सेवा करूँ?”
athopetya mahābāhur abhivādya pitāmaham | atiṣṭhat prāñjaliḥ praṇataḥ kiṁ karomīti cābravīt ||
Then the mighty-armed Arjuna approached the grandsire Bhīṣma, bowed to him, and stood with folded hands in humble submission. With courteous restraint he asked, “What is your command for me—what service shall I render?”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid war, dharma is upheld through humility and proper conduct: a warrior may oppose an elder in battle, yet must still honor him with respectful salutation and a readiness to serve according to rightful command.
Sañjaya narrates that Arjuna goes to Bhīṣma, offers respectful obeisance, stands with folded hands, and asks what he should do—seeking instruction or permission in a deferential manner.