Shloka 5
सभा पर्व, अध्याय ३७ — युधिष्ठिरस्य भीष्मोपदेशः
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Consultation and Bhīṣma’s Counsel in the Assembly
कथं हाराजा दाशाहो मध्ये सर्वमहीक्षिताम् । अर्हणामहति तथा यथा युष्माभिरचिंत:
kathaṃ ha rājā dāśārho madhye sarva-mahīkṣitām | arhaṇām arhati tathā yathā yuṣmābhir acintyaḥ ||
Śiśupāla dijo: «¿Cómo puede este Dāśārha ser rey entre todos los soberanos de la tierra? ¿Y cómo habría de ser digno del honor que le habéis ofrecido—un honor de tal clase—si en verdad no es apto para recibir semejante adoración?»
शिशुपाल उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds a dharmic tension between external rank (kingship, political status) and true worthiness for honor. Śiśupāla argues from courtly protocol and worldly hierarchy, challenging the legitimacy of offering supreme reverence to Kṛṣṇa; the broader episode invites reflection on whether honor should follow mere position or intrinsic excellence.
In the royal assembly during Yudhiṣṭhira’s great rite, Kṛṣṇa is being honored above the gathered rulers. Śiśupāla publicly objects, asserting that Kṛṣṇa is not a king among kings and therefore not entitled to the exceptional worship the assembly has offered.