Shloka 17
Adhyāya 128 — Proposal to Restrain Keśava; Sātyaki’s Warning and Vidura–Dhṛtarāṣṭra Counsel
स मातुर्वचनाकाडुशक्षी प्रविवेश पुन: सभाम् । अभिताम्रेक्षण: क्रोधान्नि:श्वसन्निव पन्नग:
sa mātur vacanākāṅkṣī praviveśa punaḥ sabhām | abhitāmrīkṣaṇaḥ krodhān niḥśvasann iva pannagaḥ ||
Desiring to hear his mother’s words, he entered the assembly hall again. His eyes had turned copper-red with anger, and he drew long, hissing breaths like a serpent—an image that underscores how wrath distorts judgment even when one approaches counsel meant to restrain it.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how anger visibly and inwardly transforms a person—clouding discernment—yet also shows the ethical importance of seeking counsel (especially maternal or elder guidance) even when one is agitated.
Vaishampayana narrates that Duryodhana, furious and breathing harshly like a serpent, re-enters the royal assembly because he wishes to hear what his mother has to say.