Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 2
Duryodhana’s Envy at Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rājasūya and the Avabhṛtha Festival
श्रीराजोवाच अजातशत्रोस्तं दृष्ट्वा राजसूयमहोदयम् । सर्वे मुमुदिरे ब्रह्मन् नृदेवा ये समागता: ॥ १ ॥ दुर्योधनं वर्जयित्वा राजान: सर्षय: सुरा: । इति श्रुतं नो भगवंस्तत्र कारणमुच्यताम् ॥ २ ॥
śrī-rājovāca ajāta-śatros tam dṛṣṭvā rājasūya-mahodayam sarve mumudire brahman nṛ-devā ye samāgatāḥ
Mahārāja Parīkṣit said: O brāhmaṇa, according to what I have heard from you, all the assembled kings, sages and demigods were delighted to see the wonderful festivities of King Ajātaśatru’s Rājasūya sacrifice, with the sole exception of Duryodhana. Please tell me why this was so, my lord.
FAQs
This verse frames the question: unlike the other kings, Duryodhana was unable to feel joy at Yudhiṣṭhira’s success due to inner resentment and envy, which the sage is asked to explain in context.
King Parīkṣit is speaking, addressing Śukadeva Gosvāmī (called “O brāhmaṇa” and “O bhagavan”), asking for the reason behind Duryodhana’s different reaction.
Even when goodness and dharma prosper, envy can block one’s ability to appreciate it; cultivating humility and rejoicing in others’ welfare supports peace and spiritual progress.