Shloka 19
Drupada’s Alarm and Inquiry Regarding Śikhaṇḍinī (द्रुपदस्य भय-विमर्शः)
प्रापयामास राजेन्द्र सह तेन शिखण्डिना । तां पूजां नाभ्यनन्दत् स वाक््यं चेदमुवाच ह
prāpayāmāsa rājendra saha tena śikhaṇḍinā | tāṁ pūjāṁ nābhyanandat sa vākyaṁ cedam uvāca ha ||
Disse Bhishma: “Ó rei, ele foi levado até lá juntamente com Shikhandin. Contudo, o sacerdote não aprovou nem recebeu com agrado a honra que lhe prestavam, e então proferiu estas palavras.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
External honor (pūjā) is not inherently dharmic; a discerning person may refuse ceremonial acceptance when the ethical status of the situation or association is problematic. The verse highlights conscience and moral scrutiny over mere courtly custom.
Bhishma narrates that someone arrived accompanied by Shikhandi and was offered ceremonial honor, but the priest did not welcome or accept that honor and instead began to speak—setting up a forthcoming admonition or principled objection.