Shloka 12
Śikhaṇḍī-janma-nigūḍha-vṛtta (The concealed birth-account of Śikhaṇḍī) | शिखण्डी-जन्म-निगूढ-वृत्त
विसृज्य दूतान् दाशार्णे द्रपद: शोकमूर्छित: । समेत्य भार्या रहिते वाक्यमाह नराधिप:,राजा द्रुपदने दशार्णनरेशके पास दूतोंको भेजकर शोकसे अधीर हो एकान्त स्थानमें अपनी पत्नीसे मिलकर इस विषयमें बातचीत करनेकी इच्छा की
visṛjya dūtān dāśārṇe drupadaḥ śokamūrcchitaḥ | sametya bhāryā-rahite vākyam āha narādhipaḥ ||
विसृज्य दूतान् दाशार्णे द्रुपदः शोकमूर्छितः। समेत्य भार्यया सार्धं रहसि वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that political action should be preceded by deliberate counsel and inner steadiness. Even a ruler shaken by sorrow turns to trusted, private consultation—suggesting that dharma in governance includes self-control, seeking wise counsel, and not acting rashly under emotional turmoil.
Bhīṣma narrates that Drupada first sends envoys to Daśārṇa, then—struck by grief—withdraws to a secluded place with his wife and begins discussing the matter with her, indicating a moment of strategic and personal deliberation.