Shloka 6
दुर्योधनस्य बलिवर्णनम् — Duryodhana’s Description of Tribute at the Rājasūya
ततः स्फाटिकतोयां वै स्फाटिकाम्बुजशोभिताम् । वापीं मत्वा स्थलमिव सवासा: प्रापतज्जले,तत्पश्चात् स्फटिकमणिके समान स्वच्छ जलसे भरी और स्फटिकमणिमय कमलोंसे सुशोभित बावलीको स्थल मानकर वह वस्त्रसहित जलमें गिर पड़ा
tataḥ sphāṭikato yāṃ vai sphāṭikāmbujaśobhitām | vāpīṃ matvā sthalam iva savāsāḥ prāpatat jale ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then, mistaking a crystal-clear pool—adorned with crystal lotuses—for solid ground, he stepped forward as if onto land and, still clothed, fell into the water.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how delusion and overconfidence can distort perception: what seems firm and certain may be illusory, and arrogance can lead to a fall—literally and socially—especially in a public setting.
In the wondrous hall (with optical illusions), a crystal-clear pool decorated with crystal lotuses appears like solid floor. The person, thinking it is dry ground, steps onto it and falls into the water while still wearing his clothes.