Shloka 17
धृतराष्ट्रस्य क्रतु-प्रवर्तनम् तथा पाण्डवानां निमन्त्रण-प्रतिवचनम्
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Sacrifice Commences and the Pandavas’ Reply to the Invitation
अथ दुर्योधनो राजा शकुनिश्चापि सौबल:
atha duryodhano rājā śakuniś cāpi saubalaḥ
そのとき王ドゥルヨーダナは、サウバラ家のシャクニとともに進み出た——ここより彼らの策謀と意図が、周到な計算のもとに事の成り行きを形づくり始める転機となる。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse functions as a narrative hinge: when figures like Duryodhana and Śakuni enter together, it foregrounds how leadership can be steered by counsel—often toward adharma when driven by resentment, calculation, and self-interest.
Vaiśampāyana introduces the next action by stating that Duryodhana the king and Śakuni (Saubala) are now involved, preparing the listener for their ensuing decisions, plans, or dialogue that will influence the unfolding events.