Rājasūyābhiṣeka-darśana: Duryodhana’s Observation of the Consecration
अयं त्वां शकुनि: प्राह विवर्ण हरिणं कृशम् । चिन्तयंश्व॒ न पश्यामि शोकस्य तव सम्भवम्
ayaṃ tvāṃ śakuniḥ prāha vivarṇa hariṇaṃ kṛśam | cintayaṃś ca na paśyāmi śokasya tava sambhavam ||
வைசம்பாயனன் கூறினான்—சகுனி உன்னை நோக்கி, “நீ ஒளி மங்கிப் போய், குன்றிய மானைப் போல மெலிந்துவிட்டாய். நான் சிந்தித்தும், உன் துயரத்திற்குக் காரணம் எதுவும் காணேன்” என்றான்.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights attentive counsel: before judging or acting, one should observe another’s condition and inquire into the true cause of distress; outward signs (paleness, emaciation) call for reflection and responsible speech.
In the Sabha Parva setting, Vaiśampāyana reports Śakuni addressing a person who appears pale and gaunt like a deer, saying that despite thinking about it he cannot discern the reason for that person’s grief—introducing a moment of inquiry amid courtly tension.