Devaśarmā–Vipula Dialogue on Ahorātra–Ṛtu as Moral Witnesses (अनुशासन पर्व, अध्याय ४३)
निवेद्य मानसं चापि तृष्णीमासन्नधोमुखा: । शत्रुदमन! तब वे देवता ब्रह्माजीके पास गये और उनसे अपने मनकी बात निवेदन करके मुँह नीचे किये चुपचाप बैठ गये
nivedya mānasaṃ cāpi tṛṣṇīm āsann adhomukhāḥ | śatrudamana! tataḥ te devatā brahmājīke pāsa gaye aura unse apane manakī bāta nivedana karke mũha nīce kiye chupacāpa baiṭh gaye |
भीष्म उवाच—ते स्वमानसं निवेद्य तृष्णीमासन्नधोमुखाः; ततः ते देवाः ब्रह्माणं प्रति जग्मुः, तस्मै चान्तःस्थितं निवेद्य अधोमुखाः तूष्णीं निषेदुः।
भीष्म उवाच
The verse highlights dharmic conduct in seeking guidance: one should present one’s inner concern respectfully, then remain composed and patient. Humility (adhomukhatā) and restraint (tṛṣṇīm) are portrayed as appropriate attitudes before a higher moral or cosmic authority.
The gods, troubled by some matter, approach Brahmā. After conveying their mental burden/petition, they fall silent and sit with lowered faces, awaiting Brahmā’s response—signaling both reverence and the gravity of their request.