Shloka 3
उद्योगपर्व (अध्याय १२९) — केशवस्य वैभवप्रदर्शनम् / Krishna’s Theophanic Display in the Kuru Assembly
दुर्योधनस्य कर्णस्य शकुने: सौबलस्य च । दुःशासनचतुर्थानामिदमासीद् विचेष्टितम्,उस समय दुर्योधन, कर्ण, सुबलपुत्र शकुनि तथा दुःशासन--इन चारोंका निश्चय इस प्रकार हुआ
duryodhanasya karṇasya śakuneḥ saubalasya ca | duḥśāsana-caturthānām idam āsīd viceṣṭitam ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Dies war das Vorgehen, auf das sich vier Männer verständigten—Duryodhana, Karṇa, Śakuni, der Sohn Subalas, und Duḥśāsana.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how collective resolve among influential figures can accelerate adharma: when counsel is dominated by pride, envy, and expediency, decisions become schemes rather than righteous policy, and the ethical cost spreads beyond the individuals to the whole polity.
Vaiśampāyana introduces a decisive moment: Duryodhana, Karṇa, Śakuni, and Duḥśāsana form a unified plan of action. The verse functions as a narrative hinge, preparing the listener for the specific maneuver they are about to undertake.