Shloka 5
सभा-पर्व, अध्याय 56: विदुरस्य द्यूत-निन्दा
Vidura’s Censure of Dicing and Warning to the Kurus
दुर्योधन उवाच अयमुत्सहते राजज्छियमाहर्तुमक्षवित् । द्यूतेन पाण्डुपुत्रेभ्यस्तदनुज्ञातुमहसि
duryodhana uvāca: ayam utsahate rājan śriyam āhartum akṣavit | dyūtena pāṇḍuputrebhyas tad anu jñātum arhasi ||
Duryodhana said: “O King, this man—skilled in the throw of dice—burns with eagerness to win away the Pāṇḍavas’ wealth by gambling. You ought to grant him permission for that.”
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how unethical intent can be framed as a mere ‘proposal’ needing royal approval: greed and manipulation seek legitimacy through authority. It warns that a ruler’s consent can enable adharma, making governance morally accountable for the consequences.
Duryodhana addresses King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, pointing to a dice-expert (implicitly Śakuni) and urging the king to authorize a gambling match intended to strip the Pāṇḍavas of their wealth—setting in motion the infamous dice-game episode.