Shloka 87
कलेरंशस्तु संजज्ञे भुवि दुर्योधनो नृप: । दुर्बृद्धिर्दुर्मतिश्वैव कुरूणामयशस्कर:,खोटी बुद्धि और दूषित विचारवाले कुरुकुलकलंक राजा दुर्योधनके रूपमें इस पृथ्वीपर कलिका अंश ही उत्पन्न हुआ था
kaler aṁśas tu saṁjajñe bhuvi duryodhano nṛpaḥ | durbuddhir durmatiś caiva kurūṇām ayaśaskaraḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: On the earth, King Duryodhana was born as a very portion of Kali—of perverted understanding and corrupt intent—bringing disgrace upon the Kuru lineage.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that moral corruption in leadership—bad judgment (durbuddhi) and distorted intention (durmati)—does not remain private; it becomes socially contagious and brings collective dishonor (ayaśas) upon an entire lineage. By calling Duryodhana a portion of Kali, the text highlights how adharma can manifest through individuals and institutions.
Vaiśampāyana characterizes Duryodhana’s birth and nature, presenting him as an embodiment of Kali’s influence on earth. This functions as a narrative foreshadowing: his inner disposition will become a primary cause of conflict and the Kuru family’s loss of reputation.