Shloka 53
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 132 — Duryodhana’s Instructions to Purocana at Vāraṇāvata
Lākṣāgṛha Planning
पूजयित्वा ततो द्रोणं विधिवत् स निषादज: । निवेद्य शिष्यमात्मानं तस्थौ प्राउ्जलिरग्रत:
pūjayitvā tato droṇaṃ vidhivat sa niṣādajaḥ | nivedya śiṣyam ātmānaṃ tasthau prāñjalir agrataḥ ||
அந்த நிஷாதக் குமாரன் விதிப்படி துரோணரைப் பூஜித்து, தன்னைச் சீடனாக அர்ப்பணித்து, கைகூப்பி அவர் முன்னே நின்றான்।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of approaching learning with humility and proper conduct: a seeker honors the teacher according to established norms (vidhivat) and offers himself as a disciple, signaling readiness for discipline, service, and instruction within the guru–śiṣya framework.
The Niṣāda-born youth (Ekalavya) formally approaches Droṇa, performs due honor, declares himself a disciple, and stands before him with folded hands, seeking acceptance and instruction.