Shloka 4
दुर्योधनस्य बलिवर्णनम् — Duryodhana’s Description of Tribute at the Rājasūya
स्ववस्त्रोत्कर्षणं राजा कृतवान् बुद्धिमोहित: । दुर्मना विमुखश्वैव परिचक्राम तां सभाम्,एक दिनकी बात है, राजा दुर्योधन उस सभाभवनमें घूमता हुआ स्फटिक-मणिमय स्थलपर जा पहुँचा और वहाँ जलकी आशंकासे उसने अपना वस्त्र ऊपर उठा लिया। इस प्रकार बुद्धिगमोह हो जानेसे उसका मन उदास हो गया और वह उस स्थानसे लौटकर सभामें दूसरी ओर चक्कर लगाने लगा
svavastrotkṛṣaṇaṃ rājā kṛtavān buddhimohitaḥ | durmanā vimukhaś caiva paricakrāma tāṃ sabhām ||
The king, his judgment deluded, lifted up his own garment. Then, his mind turning gloomy and his face averted in embarrassment, he wandered about that assembly hall.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
When the intellect is clouded by moha (delusion)—often born of pride and envy—one misreads reality and acts in ways that bring needless shame. The episode warns that inner imbalance, not external circumstance, is the root of ethical and social downfall.
In the wondrous assembly hall, the king (Duryodhana) mistakes a crystal surface for water and lifts his garment to avoid getting wet. Realizing the error, he becomes dejected and embarrassed, and paces about the hall, his humiliation setting the stage for deepening hostility.