Shloka 17
Adhyāya 152: Kaurava-sainyavibhāgaḥ
Division and Standardization of the Kaurava Host
प्रयाणं घुष्यतामद्य श्वोभूत इति मा चिरम् | ते तथेति प्रतिज्ञाय श्वोभूते चक्रिरे तथा
prayāṇaṃ ghuṣyatām adya śvobhūta iti mā ciram | te tatheti pratijñāya śvobhūte cakrire tathā ||
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは言った。「出立を今日のうちに布告せよ――『明朝、暁に』――遅らせるな。」彼らは「そのとおり」と応じ、そう誓って、翌朝に向けて万事をそのとおり整えた。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights two ethical imperatives in governance and collective action: avoid procrastination in critical duties, and uphold commitments once made (pratijñā). Publicly announcing a fixed time for departure binds the group to disciplined follow-through.
An order is given to announce the imminent departure—today the proclamation is made that the party will set out at dawn tomorrow. Those addressed agree (“tathā”) and, having pledged, they proceed to make the necessary preparations accordingly.