Shloka 16
भीष्मसेनापत्याभिषेकः
Bhīṣma’s Appointment as Commander-in-Chief
वैशग्पायन उवाच तच्छुत्वा पार्थिवा: सर्वे वासुदेवस्य भाषितम् | अब्लुवन्तो मुखं राज्ञ: समुदैक्षन्त भारत,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--भरतनन्दन! भगवान् श्रीकृष्णका यह कथन सुनकर सब राजा कुछ न बोलते हुए केवल महाराज युधिष्ठिरके मुँहकी ओर देखने लगे
vaiśampāyana uvāca | tac chrutvā pārthivāḥ sarve vāsudevasya bhāṣitam | abruvanto mukhaṃ rājñaḥ samudaikṣanta bhārata ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: O Bhārata, nang marinig ng lahat ng mga hari ang mga salita ni Vāsudeva, sila’y nanahimik; walang nagsalita, at itinuon nila ang tingin sa mukha ng hari—naghihintay kay Yudhiṣṭhira ng pasyang magtatakda.
वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
After wise counsel is given, especially by a figure like Kṛṣṇa, the ethical burden shifts to the rightful leader to respond with dharmic judgment. The kings’ silence highlights restraint, respect for hierarchy, and the seriousness of deciding matters of war and peace.
Kṛṣṇa (Vāsudeva) has spoken in the royal assembly. Hearing him, the assembled kings do not immediately react; instead, they look toward the king—understood here as Yudhiṣṭhira—awaiting his response and decision.