Shloka 12
Śikhaṇḍī-janma-nigūḍha-vṛtta (The concealed birth-account of Śikhaṇḍī) | शिखण्डी-जन्म-निगूढ-वृत्त
विसृज्य दूतान् दाशार्णे द्रपद: शोकमूर्छित: । समेत्य भार्या रहिते वाक्यमाह नराधिप:
visṛjya dūtān dāśārṇe drupadaḥ śokamūrcchitaḥ | sametya bhāryā-rahite vākyam āha narādhipaḥ ||
Matapos magsugo ng mga mensahero sa hari ng Daśārṇa, si Drupada—nalulunod sa dalamhati at halos mawalan ng ulirat—ay nagtungo sa isang lihim na pook kasama ang kanyang asawa at nagsalita sa kanya.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that political action should be preceded by deliberate counsel and inner steadiness. Even a ruler shaken by sorrow turns to trusted, private consultation—suggesting that dharma in governance includes self-control, seeking wise counsel, and not acting rashly under emotional turmoil.
Bhīṣma narrates that Drupada first sends envoys to Daśārṇa, then—struck by grief—withdraws to a secluded place with his wife and begins discussing the matter with her, indicating a moment of strategic and personal deliberation.