Shloka 28
द्रौपदी-शैब्यसंवादः — Draupadī’s Identification and Counsel on Hospitality
'जैसे भगवान् विष्णु देवताओंपर कृपादृष्टि रखते हैं
tasyā tad vacanaṁ śrutvā dīno duḥśāsano 'bravīt | aśrukaṇṭhaḥ suduḥkhārtaḥ prāñjaliḥ praṇipatya ca ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Hearing those words, Duḥśāsana, dejected and overwhelmed, spoke. His throat choked with tears, he was afflicted by intense sorrow; with palms joined in reverence, he bowed down—submitting himself at Duryodhana’s feet.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the tension between proclaimed dharma (protecting one’s realm, honoring elders) and the emotional, partisan loyalty that can drive one toward adharma. Duḥśāsana’s tearful submission shows how attachment and factional duty can eclipse ethical clarity.
After Duryodhana’s exhortation, Duḥśāsana hears him and becomes overwhelmed. With tears and folded hands, he bows/prostrates and begins to speak, signaling deep distress and unwavering allegiance to his elder brother.