Shloka 8
धृतराष्ट्रस्य शोकविलापः — Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Lament and Inquiry to Sañjaya
रागखाण्डवभोज्यैश्व मत्ता: पथिषु शेरते । तदेतदद्धुतं मन््ये अन्यैर्न सदृशं नृपैः
rāgakhāṇḍavabhojyaiś ca mattāḥ pathiṣu śerate | tad etad adbhutaṁ manye anyair na sadṛśaṁ nṛpaiḥ ||
Nārada dit : «Enivrés de mets opulents et de nourritures de plaisir, ils gisent étendus le long des routes. Je tiens cela pour vraiment prodigieux — sans pareil chez les autres rois.»
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse critiques rulers who become absorbed in indulgence and intoxication, losing dignity and self-governance. It implies that kingship demands restraint and responsibility; when leaders collapse into pleasure, public order and ethical authority are undermined.
Nārada reports an extraordinary sight: people (implicitly royal or elite figures) are so overcome by luxurious food and drink that they lie about on the roads. He remarks that such a spectacle is unparalleled among other kings, highlighting the abnormality and moral shock of the scene.