Shloka 17
त॑ दृष्टवा पाण्डवं राजन्नभिवाद्याग्रत: स्थितम् । अभ्यभाषत धर्मात्मा भीष्म: प्रीतो धनंजयम्,राजन! प्रणाम करके आगे खड़े हुए पाण्डुपुत्र अर्जुनको देखकर धर्मात्मा भीष्म बड़े प्रसन्न हुए और इस प्रकार बोले--
taṁ dṛṣṭvā pāṇḍavaṁ rājann abhivādya agrataḥ sthitam | abhyabhāṣata dharmātmā bhīṣmaḥ prīto dhanañjayam ||
Seeing the Pāṇḍava prince Arjuna standing in front after offering his respectful salutation, Bhīṣma—steadfast in dharma—was filled with joy, O King, and addressed Dhanañjaya. The scene underscores the ethical weight of reverence and rightful conduct even on the brink of war, where elders and warriors recognize virtue and discipline in one another.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid impending battle, dharmic conduct is shown through humility and proper respect: Arjuna’s salutation (abhivāda) exemplifies disciplined virtue, and Bhīṣma’s pleased response highlights that righteousness is recognized and honored even between opponents.
Sañjaya reports to the king that Bhīṣma sees Arjuna standing before him after offering respectful obeisance; pleased, Bhīṣma then addresses Arjuna, setting a tone of solemn, ethical engagement before the conflict.