Shloka 17
Kāmyaka-vane Pāṇḍava-nivāsaḥ — Vidurasya āgamanam ca (कamyake वने पाण्डवनिवासः—विदुरस्य आगमनं च)
सो<नुमान्य नरश्रेष्ठान् पाण्डवान् कुरुनन्दनान् । नियोगाद् राजसिंहस्य गन्तुमरहसि सत्तम,साधुशिरोमणे! आप कुरुकुलको आनन्दित करनेवाले इन नरश्रेष्ठ पाण्डवोंसे आदरपूर्वक विदा लेकर महाराजके आदेशसे शीघ्र उनके पास चलें
so 'numānya naraśreṣṭhān pāṇḍavān kurunandanān | niyogād rājasiṃhasya gantum arhasi sattama sādhūśiromaṇe ||
Sañjaya said: “Having duly honored and respectfully taken leave of those foremost of men—the Pāṇḍavas, delight of the Kuru line—you should now go without delay, for such is the command of the lion-like king. O best of men, crest-jewel among the virtuous, it is fitting that you proceed.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic conduct in public life: even when acting under royal orders, one should first honor the virtuous and take respectful leave. Duty (niyoga) is to be carried out, but with proper etiquette and reverence toward worthy persons.
Sañjaya instructs the addressed person to respectfully bid farewell to the Pāṇḍavas—praised as the pride of the Kuru line—and then proceed promptly to the king, since the king has issued an order requiring immediate action.