Shloka 22
कुरुक्षेत्रे सेनानिवेशवृत्तान्तः — Dhṛtarāṣṭra Questions Saṃjaya on the Deployed Armies
पूजयांचक्रिरे ते वै समायान्तं हलायुधम् । ततस्तं पाण्डवो राजा करे पस्पर्श पाणिना,हलायुध बलरामजीको आया देख सबने उनका समादर किया। तदनन्तर पाण्डुनन्दन राजा युधिष्ठिरने अपने हाथसे उनके हाथका स्पर्श किया
pūjayāṃ cakrire te vai samāyāntaṃ halāyudham | tatas taṃ pāṇḍavo rājā kare pasparśa pāṇinā ||
पूजयांचक्रिरे ते वै समायान्तं हलायुधम् । ततस्तं पाण्डवो राजा करे पस्पर्श पाणिना ॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a politically charged moment before conflict, dharma is upheld through proper reception: honoring a revered elder/kinsman and observing respectful social conduct (satkāra) reinforces ethical order and self-restraint.
Balarāma arrives, and the assembly honors him. Yudhiṣṭhira, as the Pāṇḍava king, personally greets him by touching his hand—a formal, respectful welcome indicating esteem and rightful protocol.