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
sa tathā śalyam āmantrya punar āyāt svakaṃ puram | śalyo jagāma kaunteyān ākhyātuṃ karma tasya tat ||
Assim, tendo-se despedido de Śalya, Duryodhana retornou novamente à sua própria cidade. Śalya, por sua vez, foi aos filhos de Kuntī para relatar a Yudhiṣṭhira aquele mesmo feito de Duryodhana—para que os Pāṇḍavas compreendessem com clareza sua intenção e sua conduta no conflito que se desenrolava.
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.