Shloka 21
Prajñā as Pratiṣṭhā — Indra–Kāśyapa Saṃvāda (Śānti-parva 12.173)
इत्यूचुस्ते महाराज राक्षसेन्द्रं निशाचरा: । शिरोभशि: प्रणता: सर्वे व्याहरन् राक्षसधिपम्
ity ūcus te mahārāja rākṣasendraṃ niśācarāḥ | śirobhis praṇatāḥ sarve vyāharan rākṣasadhipam ||
Wika ni Bhishma: “O dakilang hari, matapos magsalita nang gayon, ang lahat ng rākṣasa na gumagala sa gabi ay yumukod na may ganap na pagpapasakop at nagsalita sa kanilang panginoon, ang hari ng mga rākṣasa.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights social and political order: even fierce beings like rākṣasas observe hierarchy and protocol—speaking to their leader only after bowing—implying that disciplined conduct and respect for authority are foundational to any organized community.
After making a statement (from the preceding context), the assembled niśācaras (rākṣasas) collectively bow their heads and then address their ruler, the rākṣasa-lord, indicating a formal audience or counsel before their king.