Shloka 24
Daitya-āśvāsana of Duryodhana; Karṇa’s assurance and the mobilization of the Kaurava host
दुःशासनेन च तथा सौबलेन च धीमता । संवृतो भ्रातृभि श्षान्यै: स्त्रीभिश्वापि सहस्रश:,दुःशासन, बुद्धिमान् शकुनि, अन्यान्य भाइयों तथा सहस्ौरों स्त्रियोंसे घिरे हुए दुर्योधनने वहाँसे प्रस्थान किया
duḥśāsanena ca tathā saubalena ca dhīmatā | saṃvṛto bhrātṛbhiḥ anyaiḥ strībhiś cāpi sahasraśaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Surrounded in that manner by Duḥśāsana and by the wise Saubala (Śakuni), as well as by his other brothers and by thousands of women, Duryodhana set out from that place.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how a ruler’s movement and decisions are shaped by entourage and advisers; when counsel is driven by factional loyalty and pride, it can reinforce adharma rather than self-restraint.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Duryodhana departs from the place, surrounded by Duḥśāsana, Śakuni (Saubala), his other brothers, and a large retinue of women.