Shloka 96
Jatāyu’s Resistance, Sītā’s Traces, Kabandha’s Release, and the Path to Sugrīva (Āraṇyaka-parva 263)
अहानि कतिचित् तत्र तस्थौ स मुनिसत्तम: | दुर्योधनने स्वयं दासकी भाँति उनकी सेवामें खड़े रहकर विधिपूर्वक उनकी पूजा की। मुनिश्रेष्ठ दुर्वासा कई दिनोंतक वहाँ ठहरे रहे
ahāni katicit tatra tasthau sa munisattamaḥ | duryodhanena svayaṃ dāsakī-bhānti tasya sevāyāṃ sthitvā vidhipūrvakaṃ tasya pūjā kṛtā | muniśreṣṭho durvāsā bahūny ahāni tatra nyavasat |
Waiśampāyana berkata: Sang resi termulia tinggal di sana beberapa hari. Duryodhana sendiri berdiri melayani bagaikan seorang pelayan setia, memuliakannya dengan upacara yang semestinya. Demikianlah resi Durvāsā menetap di sana selama banyak hari.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical weight of hospitality and disciplined service (sevā) offered with proper observance (vidhi). It also hints that outwardly correct ritual honor can be employed strategically, reminding readers to examine intention alongside conduct.
Durvāsā, a formidable sage, stays for several days. Duryodhana personally attends him like a servant and performs due worship, ensuring the sage is honored and pleased during his prolonged stay.