Shloka 28
द्रौपदी-शैब्यसंवादः — Draupadī’s Identification and Counsel on Hospitality
'जैसे भगवान् विष्णु देवताओंपर कृपादृष्टि रखते हैं
tasyā tad vacanaṁ śrutvā dīno duḥśāsano 'bravīt | aśrukaṇṭhaḥ suduḥkhārtaḥ prāñjaliḥ praṇipatya ca ||
قال فايشَمبايانا: «فلما سمع دُحشاسَنا تلك الكلمات، انكسر وذلّ وتكلّم. اختنق حلقه بالدموع، واعتصره حزنٌ شديد؛ فضمّ كفّيه إجلالًا، وانحنى ساجدًا، مُلقيًا نفسه عند قدمي دُريودَهَنا.»
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the tension between proclaimed dharma (protecting one’s realm, honoring elders) and the emotional, partisan loyalty that can drive one toward adharma. Duḥśāsana’s tearful submission shows how attachment and factional duty can eclipse ethical clarity.
After Duryodhana’s exhortation, Duḥśāsana hears him and becomes overwhelmed. With tears and folded hands, he bows/prostrates and begins to speak, signaling deep distress and unwavering allegiance to his elder brother.