Shloka 5
Jatāyu’s Resistance, Sītā’s Traces, Kabandha’s Release, and the Path to Sugrīva (Āraṇyaka-parva 263)
वैशम्पायन उवाच श्र॒ुत्वा तेषां तथा वृत्ति नगरे वसतामिव । दुर्योधनो महाराज तेषु पापमरोचयत्,वैशम्पायनजीने कहा--महाराज! जब दुर्योधनने सुना कि पाण्डवलोग तो वनमें भी उसी प्रकार दान-पुण्य करते हुए आनन्दसे रह रहे हैं, जैसे नगरके निवासी रहा करते हैं, तब उसने उनका अनिष्ट करनेका विचार किया
vaiśampāyana uvāca | śrutvā teṣāṃ tathā vṛttiṃ nagare vasatām iva | duryodhano mahārāja teṣu pāpam arocayat |
Vaiśampāyana said: O King, when Duryodhana heard that the Pāṇḍavas, even while dwelling in the forest, were living in the same manner as city-dwellers—contentedly sustaining themselves and continuing acts of generosity and merit—he turned his mind toward sin against them, desiring their harm.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts steadfast virtue with corrosive envy: the Pāṇḍavas maintain meritorious conduct even in hardship, while Duryodhana, unable to bear their well-being, inclines toward sinful intent—showing how jealousy can drive one from dharma to adharma.
News reaches Duryodhana that the Pāṇḍavas are living contentedly in the forest, continuing generous and righteous practices as though they were comfortable city residents; hearing this, he resolves to plot harm against them.