Shloka 33
Rājasūyābhiṣeka-darśana: Duryodhana’s Observation of the Consecration
पार्थिवैर्बहुभि: कीर्णमुपस्थान दिदृक्षुभि: । अशोभत महाराज नक्षत्रैद्यौरिवामला,महाराज! वहाँ यज्ञ देखनेके लिये आये हुए बहुत-से राजाओंद्वारा भरी हुई यज्ञमण्डपकी बैठक ताराओंसे व्याप्त हुए निर्मल आकाशकी भाँति शोभा पाती थी
pārthivair bahubhiḥ kīrṇam upasthānaṃ didṛkṣubhiḥ | aśobhat mahārāja nakṣatrair dyaur ivāmalā ||
Duryodhana berkata: “Wahai raja agung, balairung itu—sesak dengan ramai raja yang datang ingin menyaksikan korban suci—bersinar indah, bagaikan langit yang bersih dipenuhi bintang.”
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how royal rites function as moral and political theatre: outward splendor and the gathering of rulers confer legitimacy and fame, yet such displays can also intensify competition and envy—an undercurrent central to the Sabha Parva.
Duryodhana describes to the addressed king the brilliance of the gathering at a sacrifice: many kings have assembled to witness it, and the hall appears radiant, compared to a clear night sky studded with stars.