Shloka 17
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 25: Kaurava Deliberation and the Search Directive (अन्वेषण-आदेशः)
सर्वथा विप्रणष्टास्ते नमस्ते भरतर्षभ । नहि विद्यो गति तेषां वासं वापि महात्मनाम्
sarvathā vipraṇaṣṭās te namas te bharatarṣabha | nahi vidyo gatis teṣāṁ vāsaṁ vāpi mahātmanām | pravṛttiṁ vā kṛtaṁ karma prajāpālaka pārthiva | tataḥ paraṁ kim asmākaṁ ājñāpayitum arhasi ||
Wika ni Vaiśampāyana: “Sa lahat ng paraan ay naglaho sila sa aming paningin. Pagpupugay sa iyo, O toro sa angkan ng Bharata. Wala kaming nalaman kahit ano tungkol sa landas na tinahak, tirahan, mga pagkilos, o mga gawa ng mga Pāṇḍava na dakila ang loob. O tagapangalaga ng bayan, ano ang iyong utos sa amin ngayon?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined service and truthful reporting: when knowledge is lacking, one should honestly admit uncertainty, maintain respectful conduct toward authority, and seek clear instruction—an aspect of dharma in governance and administration.
A report is being delivered to the king: the searchers have failed to find any trace of the Pāṇḍavas—their route, residence, activities, or deeds—and they now ask the ruler what orders should be given next.