Shloka 29
Rājasūyābhiṣeka-darśana: Duryodhana’s Observation of the Consecration
तथैव पश्िमं यान्ति गृहीत्वा भरतर्षभ । उत्तरं तु न गच्छन्ति विना तात पतत्त्रिण:
tathaiva paścimaṃ yānti gṛhītvā bharatarṣabha | uttaraṃ tu na gacchanti vinā tāta patattriṇaḥ ||
Duryodhana said: “In the same way, O bull among the Bharatas, they proceed westward after taking (their prey). But they do not go to the northern quarter, dear sir, without birds.”
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how political actors may rely on customary signs (directional movement, birds as omens) to justify or interpret decisions. Ethically, it invites reflection on the limits of omen-based reasoning when weighed against dharma and responsible counsel.
Duryodhana is speaking in the Sabha Parva and argues from observed patterns and omens: after seizing something, ‘they’ go westward, but do not go north without birds. He uses this as persuasive support in a courtly discussion, framing events through auspicious/inauspicious indicators.