Śikhaṇḍinī’s Marriage Arrangement and the Daśārṇa Envoy’s Accusation (शिखण्डिनी-विवाह-विप्रलम्भ-प्रसङ्गः)
यावदेव स राजा वै नोपयाति पुरं मम । तावदेव महायक्ष प्रसादं कुरु गुह्क
yāvad eva sa rājā vai nopayāti puraṁ mama | tāvad eva mahāyakṣa prasādaṁ kuru guhka ||
यावदेव स राजा वै नोपयाति पुरं मम । तावदेव महायक्ष प्रसादं कुरु गुह्यक ॥
भीष्म उवाच
The verse emphasizes seeking timely goodwill and protective favor to maintain order and safety, suggesting that restraint and auspicious support can be ethically preferable to coercion while awaiting a critical arrival.
Bhīṣma addresses a powerful Yakṣa figure (called Mahāyakṣa and Guhaka), requesting that this being grant favor or protection until a certain king comes to Bhīṣma’s city.