Shloka 24
अध्याय ८ — शल्यस्य सत्कारः, वरदानं, पाण्डवसमागमश्च (Śalya’s Reception, the Boon, and Meeting the Pāṇḍavas)
स तथा शल्यमामन्त्रय पुनरायात् स्वकं पुरम् । शल्यो जगाम कौन्तेयानाख्यातुं कर्म तस्य तत्,इस प्रकार शल्यसे आज्ञा लेकर दुर्योधन पुन: अपने नगरको लौट आया और शल्य कुन्तीकुमारोंसे दुर्योधनकी वह करतूत सुनानेके लिये युधिष्ठिरके पास गये
sa tathā śalyam āmantrya punar āyāt svakaṃ puram | śalyo jagāma kaunteyān ākhyātuṃ karma tasya tat ||
Demikianlah, setelah memohon diri daripada Śalya, Duryodhana kembali semula ke kotanya sendiri. Adapun Śalya, beliau pergi kepada putera-putera Kuntī untuk melaporkan kepada Yudhiṣṭhira perbuatan Duryodhana itu—agar para Pāṇḍava memahami dengan jelas niat dan tindak-tanduknya dalam pertikaian yang sedang memuncak.
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical vigilance in politics: actions driven by self-interest and manipulation must be recognized and disclosed. Śalya’s decision to report Duryodhana’s conduct underscores the dharmic value of truthful counsel and transparency before major decisions in a conflict.
After taking leave of Śalya, Duryodhana returns to his capital. Śalya then goes to the Pāṇḍavas—specifically to Yudhiṣṭhira—to narrate Duryodhana’s recent deed, ensuring the Pāṇḍavas are informed about Duryodhana’s intentions and behavior.