Shloka 4
दुर्योधनस्य बलिवर्णनम् — Duryodhana’s Description of Tribute at the Rājasūya
स्ववस्त्रोत्कर्षणं राजा कृतवान् बुद्धिमोहित: । दुर्मना विमुखश्वैव परिचक्राम तां सभाम्
svavastrotkṛṣaṇaṃ rājā kṛtavān buddhimohitaḥ | durmanā vimukhaś caiva paricakrāma tāṃ sabhām ||
El rey, con el juicio nublado, alzó su propia vestidura. Luego, sombrío de ánimo y con el rostro vuelto de vergüenza, deambuló por aquel salón de asamblea.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
When the intellect is clouded by moha (delusion)—often born of pride and envy—one misreads reality and acts in ways that bring needless shame. The episode warns that inner imbalance, not external circumstance, is the root of ethical and social downfall.
In the wondrous assembly hall, the king (Duryodhana) mistakes a crystal surface for water and lifts his garment to avoid getting wet. Realizing the error, he becomes dejected and embarrassed, and paces about the hall, his humiliation setting the stage for deepening hostility.