Shloka 27
Rāmopākhyāna—Rāma–Sītā Origins and the Opening of Rāvaṇa’s Genealogy
(सततं प्रीयमाणो वै देविना सौबलेन च ।) इधर राजा दुर्योधन भी अपने वीर भाइयोंके साथ रहकर भीष्म, द्रोण, कृपाचार्य, युद्धमें शोभा पानेवाले सूतपुत्र कर्ण तथा द्यूतकृशल शकुनिसे मिलकर निरन्तर प्रसन्नताका अनुभव करता हुआ इस पृथ्वीका शासन करने लगा ।। दुर्योधन: प्रिये नित्यं वर्तमानो महीभृताम् । पूजयामास विद्रेन्द्रान् क्रतुभिर्भूरिदक्षिणै:,दुर्योधन सदा अपने अधीन रहनेवाले राजाओंका प्रिय करने लगा और प्रचुर दक्षिणावाले यज्ञोंद्वारा श्रेष्ठ ब्राह्मणोंका भी स्वागत-सत्कार करता रहा
vaiśampāyana uvāca | (satataṃ prīyamāṇo vai devinā saubalenā ca |) idha rājā duryodhano 'pi svavīrabhrātṛbhiḥ saha bhīṣma-droṇa-kṛpācāryaiḥ saṅgamya yuddhe śobhāpāninā sūtaputreṇa karṇena dyūtakṛśalena śakunina ca saha nirantaraṃ prasannatām anubhavann imāṃ pṛthivīṃ śaśāsa || duryodhanaḥ priye nityaṃ vartamāno mahībhṛtām | pūjayāmāsa vidrendrān kratubhir bhūridakṣiṇaiḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Ever pleased in the company of Devī’s brother Śakuni, King Duryodhana—though surrounded by his valiant brothers—joined with Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Kṛpa, the charioteer’s son Karṇa famed for splendour in battle, and the dice-skilled Śakuni, and, experiencing continual satisfaction, began to rule this earth. Duryodhana, intent on keeping the subordinate kings loyal and content, also honoured the foremost Brahmins by performing sacrifices rich in gifts. Ethically, the passage highlights how political power can be stabilized through alliances and ritual generosity, even when the ruler’s inner orientation is shaped by questionable counsel.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse suggests that outward markers of righteous rule—alliances with renowned elders and generous sacrifices—can coexist with ethically compromised influences (notably Śakuni’s counsel). It invites reflection on how legitimacy and public approval may be cultivated through ritual and patronage, while the ruler’s moral trajectory depends on the quality of guidance and intention.
Vaiśampāyana describes Duryodhana’s settled rule: he remains pleased in Śakuni’s company, aligns himself with major Kuru figures (Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Kṛpa, Karṇa), governs the realm, keeps subordinate kings favourable, and honours leading Brahmins through sacrifices with abundant gifts.