Shloka 8
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 132 — Duryodhana’s Instructions to Purocana at Vāraṇāvata
Lākṣāgṛha Planning
ततोरर्जुनं तदा मूर्थ्नि समाप्राय पुन: पुन: । प्रीतिपूर्व परिष्वज्य प्ररुरोद मुदा तदा,तब आचार्यने बारंबार अर्जुनका मस्तक सूँघा और उन्हें प्रेमपूर्वक हृदयसे लगाकर वे हर्षके आवेशमें रो पड़े
tato 'rjunaṁ tadā mūrdhni samāprāya punaḥ punaḥ | prītipūrvaṁ pariṣvajya praruroda mudā tadā ||
Then, again and again, the teacher drew close to Arjuna’s head, smelling it in affectionate recognition. Embracing him with love, he broke into tears—overwhelmed by joy. The scene underscores a dharmic bond between preceptor and disciple, where disciplined training is inseparable from personal care, gratitude, and deep emotional responsibility.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic ideal that true instruction is not merely technical training but a relationship grounded in care, loyalty, and moral responsibility. The teacher’s joy and tears show that a disciple’s growth is a matter of the guru’s heart as well as duty.
After meeting Arjuna, the teacher repeatedly draws close, affectionately smells the top of his head (a gesture of intimate parental-like fondness), embraces him, and weeps from happiness—signaling deep attachment and pride in the disciple.