Shloka 2
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 25: Kaurava Deliberation and the Search Directive (अन्वेषण-आदेशः)
तस्मिन् पुरे जनपदे संजल्पो5भूच्च सड्घश: । शौर्यद्धि वल्लभो राज्ञों महासत्त्व:ः: स कीचक:
tasmin pure janapade sañjalpo 'bhūc ca saṅghaśaḥ | śauryād dhi vallabho rājño mahāsattvaḥ sa kīcakaḥ ||
In that city and throughout the countryside, people began gathering in groups and talking among themselves: “Because of his valor, the mighty Kīcaka is especially dear to King Virāṭa.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse points to a moral tension: when a ruler’s affection is based chiefly on someone’s strength and usefulness, society may excuse or overlook that person’s misconduct. It cautions that power and popularity can shape collective attitudes, sometimes at the expense of ethical discernment.
In Virāṭa’s city and across the kingdom, people gather and spread talk that Kīcaka—renowned for valor and great might—is especially favored by King Virāṭa. This sets the social backdrop for Kīcaka’s influence and the events that follow in the Virāṭa court.