Shloka 9
Bhīṣma’s Admonition; Duryodhana’s Rājasūya Aspiration and the Proposal of a Vaiṣṇava-satra
स स्त्रीगणावृतो राजा प्रदह्ृष्ट: प्रददौ वसु । तेभ्यो यथाहमन्नानि पानानि विविधानि च,अपनी स्त्रियोंके साथ राजा दुर्योधन उनको देखकर बहुत प्रसन्न हुआ और उन्हें बहुत- सा धन दिया तथा यथायोग्य नाना प्रकारकी खाने-पीनेकी वस्तुएँ अर्पित की
sa strīgaṇāvṛto rājā prahṛṣṭaḥ pradadau vasu | tebhyo yathārham annāni pānāni vividhāni ca ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Surrounded by his womenfolk, King Duryodhana was delighted on seeing them. He bestowed wealth upon them and, as was fitting, offered them various kinds of food and drink. The scene shows how royal power is displayed through hospitality and gifts—outwardly generous acts that may yet serve pride, influence, and the politics of reputation.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ambiguity of royal generosity: giving and hospitality are dharmic when rooted in respect and right intention, yet the same acts can become instruments of vanity, social control, or political self-display.
Duryodhana, accompanied by his womenfolk, is pleased upon seeing certain visitors and responds by distributing wealth and offering them assorted foods and drinks in a manner deemed appropriate to their status.