Shloka 13
Ritual Acclamation at Hastināpura and Karṇa’s Vow Concerning Arjuna (राजकीय स्तुति-प्रसङ्गः कर्णप्रतिज्ञा च)
इति दुर्योधनामात्या: क्रोशन्तो राजगृद्धिन: । आर्ता दीनास्तत: सर्वे युधिष्ठिरमुपागमन्,राजाको हृदयसे चाहनेवाले दुर्योधनके सब मन्त्री आर्त एवं दीन होकर उपर्युक्त बातें जोर-जोरसे कहते हुए युधिष्ठिरके समीप गये
iti duryodhanāmātyāḥ krośanto rājagṛddhinaḥ | ārtā dīnāstataḥ sarve yudhiṣṭhiramupāgaman ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Thus, Duryodhana’s ministers—crying out loudly, greedy for royal power—came to Yudhiṣṭhira. Distressed and humbled, they approached him while proclaiming those words, revealing how political craving and fear can drive even high officials to seek refuge from the very person they have opposed.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical contrast between craving for power (rāja-gṛddhi) and the humbling force of distress. It suggests that political ambition can lead to moral instability, while suffering can compel even adversarial parties to seek help from a dharma-oriented figure like Yudhiṣṭhira.
After certain statements have been made (iti), Duryodhana’s ministers, shouting and agitated, come to Yudhiṣṭhira. Their approach—described as distressed and dejected—signals a shift where Kaurava officials seek engagement or assistance from Yudhiṣṭhira.