Shloka 17
दुर्योधनस्य प्रायोपवेशः — शकुनिसान्त्वनम् तथा कृत्याह्वानम्
Duryodhana’s Fast: Śakuni’s Consolation and the Summoning of a Kṛtyā
तथेत्युक्त्वा तु ते सर्वे जग्मुरावसथान् प्रति । व्युषितायां रजन्यां तु कर्णो राजानमभ्ययात्,“बहुत अच्छा, ऐसा ही हो” यह कहकर सब अपने-अपने विश्रामगृहमें चले गये। जब रात बीती और सबेरा हुआ, तब कर्ण राजा दुर्योधनके पास गया
tathety uktvā tu te sarve jagmur āvasathān prati | vyuṣitāyāṃ rajanyāṃ tu karṇo rājānam abhyayāt ||
“So be it,” they all replied, and each departed to his own lodging. When the night had passed and morning came, Karṇa went to the king—Duryodhana—approaching him to confer further.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how major decisions often move from public agreement to private counsel. Ethically, it points to the responsibility of advisers and rulers: what is discussed in private can shape public outcomes, so counsel should be guided by dharma rather than mere advantage.
After everyone assents (“so be it”) and retires to their quarters, the scene shifts to the next morning. Karna then approaches King Duryodhana, indicating a forthcoming private conversation—typically about plans, alliances, or the next course of action.