Shloka 9
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Lament on Kāla and Daiva after Draupadī’s Recovery (आरण्यक पर्व, अध्याय २५७)
स गत्वा पाण्डवान् सर्वनुवाचाभिप्रणम्य च | दुर्योधनो महाराज यजते नृपसत्तम:,उस दूतने समस्त पाण्डवोंके पास जाकर प्रणाम किया और इस प्रकार कहा --“महाराज! कुरुकुलके श्रेष्ठ पुरुष नृपतिशिरोमणि दुर्योधन अपने पराक्रमसे अतुल धनराशि प्राप्तकर एक यज्ञ कर रहे हैं। उसमें (विभिन्न स्थानोंसे) बहुत-से राजा और ब्राह्मण पधार रहे हैं
sa gatvā pāṇḍavān sarvān uvāca abhipraṇamya ca | duryodhano mahārāja yajate nṛpasattamaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana disse: Tendo ido a todos os Pāṇḍavas e curvando-se com respeito, o mensageiro falou: “Ó rei, Duryodhana — o mais eminente entre os soberanos — está realizando um sacrifício. Tendo ajuntado imensa riqueza por seu próprio valor, conduz esse rito, e muitos reis e brâmanes acorrem de várias regiões.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward markers of dharma—such as conducting a yajña and honoring guests—can also function as instruments of political prestige. Ethical discernment is needed to distinguish genuine righteousness from strategic display.
A messenger approaches the Pāṇḍavas, bows to them, and reports that Duryodhana is performing a grand sacrifice, having gathered great wealth, and that many kings and brāhmaṇas are coming to attend.