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 |
Wika ni Sañjaya: Si Yudhishthira, anak ng angkan ni Bharata, ay agad na tumindig nang makita si Haladhara (Balarama). Sa mapagmahal na paggalang, pinarangalan niya ito ayon sa wastong ritwal, inalok ng upuan, at nagtanong tungkol sa kalagayan—isang gawaing nagtataguyod ng dharma sa pamamagitan ng pagkamapagpatuloy, paggalang sa nakatatanda, at pagpipigil kahit sa gitna ng tensiyon ng digmaan.
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.