Shloka 43
Vāg-yuddha and Nimitta-darśana before the Gadāyuddha
Verbal Duel and Omens
आसन च ददौ तस्मै पर्यपृच्छदनामयम् । भरतनन्दन! हलधरको देखते ही राजा युधिष्ठिर उठकर खड़े हो गये और बड़े प्रेमसे विधिपूर्वक उनकी पूजा करके उन्हें बैठनेके लिये उन्होंने आसन दिया तथा उनके स्वास्थ्यका समाचार पूछा
sañjaya uvāca | āsanaṃ ca dadau tasmai paryapṛcchad anāmayam |
सञ्जय उवाच—हलधरं दृष्ट्वा भरतनन्दनो राजा युधिष्ठिरः सहसा समुत्थाय तं विधिवत् पूजयामास। आसनं च ददौ तस्मै पर्यपृच्छदनामयम्। ततः दुर्योधनो राजन्निदमाह युधिष्ठिरम्॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in the midst of conflict, dharma is maintained through proper conduct: honoring a revered guest, offering a seat, and asking after health. The verse highlights that ethical kingship includes courtesy, reverence, and self-control, not merely victory in war.
Balarama (Haladhara) arrives, and Yudhishthira immediately stands up, performs respectful reception, offers him a seat, and asks about his well-being. It sets a tone of formal hospitality and deference to a senior, powerful figure.