Shloka 19
Cyavana Explains His Tests; Kuśika Seeks Brāhmaṇya for His Line (च्यवन–कुशिक संवादः)
एवमुक्ते ततो वाक्ये च्यवनो भार्गवस्तदा । कुशिकं प्रत्युवाचेद॑ मुदा परमया युत:
evam ukte tato vākye cyavano bhārgavas tadā | kuśikaṁ pratyuvāceda mudā paramayā yutaḥ ||
அவ்வாறு சொல்லப்பட்ட அந்த வார்த்தைகளுக்குப் பின், ப்ருகு குலத்துச் ச்யவனர் அச்சமயம் பரம மகிழ்ச்சியால் நிறைந்து குசிகனுக்கு மறுமொழி கூறினார்।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic importance of response in dialogue: when words are spoken appropriately, the reply—offered with a pure and joyful mind—can advance understanding and lead toward a constructive outcome. It implicitly values restraint, clarity, and goodwill in speech.
After certain words have been spoken (in the preceding context), the sage Cyavana, identified as a Bhārgava, turns to Kuśika and replies, doing so while filled with great joy. The verse functions as a narrative transition into Cyavana’s response.