Shloka 17
Balarāma Humbles the Kurus and Rescues Sāmba
सोऽभिवन्द्याम्बिकापुत्रं भीष्मं द्रोणं च बाह्लिकम् । दुर्योधनं च विधिवद् राममागतमब्रवीत् ॥ १७ ॥
so ’bhivandyāmbikā-putraṁ bhīṣmaṁ droṇaṁ ca bāhlikam duryodhanaṁ ca vidhi-vad rāmam āgataṁ abravīt
乌达婆依礼拜见安比迦之子持国王，以及毗湿摩、德罗纳、婆诃利迦与都利约陀那，随后禀告他们：罗摩主（巴拉罗摩）已然到来。
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī points out that there is no reference here to Uddhava offering respect to Yudhiṣṭhira and his associates, since at that time the Pāṇḍavas were staying in Indraprastha.
FAQs
This verse highlights vidhivat—meeting respected elders and authorities by first offering formal obeisances, showing that dharma includes correct social and spiritual conduct.
The verse shows a sequence of protocol: after honoring senior figures like Bhishma and Drona, the speaker then turns to address Balarama, whose arrival is central to the unfolding discussion.
Approach saints, teachers, and elders with humility first—offer respect before speaking—so that one’s words and actions align with dharma and cultivate devotion.