Shloka 19
Ritual Acclamation at Hastināpura and Karṇa’s Vow Concerning Arjuna (राजकीय स्तुति-प्रसङ्गः कर्णप्रतिज्ञा च)
शीतवातातपसहांस्तपसा चैव कर्शितान् | समस्थो विषमस्थान हि द्रष्टमिच्छति दुर्मति:,“हम सर्दी, गर्मी और हवाका कष्ट सहते हैं, तपस्यासे दुर्बल हो गये हैं और विषम परिस्थितिमें पड़े हैं, तो भी वह दुर्बुद्धि दुर्योधन, जो इस समय राजगद्दीपर बैठकर मौज उड़ा रहा है, हमें इस दुर्दशामें देखनेकी इच्छा रखता है
śītavātātapasahāṁs tapasā caiva karśitān | samastho viṣamasthān hi draṣṭum icchati durmatiḥ ||
Disse Vaiśampāyana: «Embora suportemos o frio, o vento e o calor abrasador; embora as austeridades nos tenham consumido e vivamos em condições duras e irregulares, esse Duryodhana de mente perversa—seguro no trono real e entregue ao conforto—ainda deseja vir contemplar-nos neste estado miserável.»
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts inner endurance and ascetic hardship with the arrogance of power: ethical failure is shown in taking pleasure in others’ suffering, especially when one is secure and comfortable. It implicitly upholds compassion and restraint as marks of dharma, and condemns envy-driven humiliation.
The speaker describes the exiles’ condition—enduring cold, wind, and heat, weakened by austerities in difficult surroundings—and notes that Duryodhana, enjoying royal comfort, still wants to see them in their misery, highlighting his spite and intent to insult.