Shloka 19
Bhīṣma’s Admonition; Duryodhana’s Rājasūya Aspiration and the Proposal of a Vaiṣṇava-satra
भारत! तदनन्तर दुर्योधनने अपने सहस्रों सेवकोंको आज्ञा दी--'तुमलोग बहुत-से क्रीडामण्डप तैयार करो” ।।
vaiśampāyana uvāca | te tathety eva kauravya-muktvā vacana-kāriṇaḥ | cikīrṣantas tadā krīḍān jagmur dvaitavanaṁ saraḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana dijo: Después de ello, Duryodhana dio orden a sus miles de servidores: «Preparad muchos pabellones de recreo». Aquellos obedientes asistentes del Kaurava, ejecutores de su palabra, respondieron: «Así sea», y partieron con la intención de disponer los entretenimientos. Se dirigieron al lago del bosque de Dvaitavana para levantar los pabellones de placer conforme a lo mandado.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the power dynamics of kingship: subordinates quickly execute a ruler’s wishes. Ethically, it invites reflection on how obedience can become complicity when commands serve arrogance or provocation rather than self-restraint and dharma.
Duryodhana’s attendants respond ‘tathāstu’ and go to Dvaitavana’s lake to set up arrangements for games/pleasures—preparing pavilions and amusements as part of the unfolding encounter in the forest setting.