Shloka 106
Jatāyu’s Resistance, Sītā’s Traces, Kabandha’s Release, and the Path to Sugrīva (Āraṇyaka-parva 263)
दुर्योधनो महाराज शापात् तस्य विशड्भशुकित: । महाराज जनमेजय! राजा दुर्योधन (श्रद्धासे नहीं, अपितु) उनके शापसे डरता हुआ दिन-रात आलस्य छोड़कर उनकी सेवामें लगा रहा
vaiśampāyana uvāca | duryodhano mahārāja śāpāt tasya viśad-bhītaḥ | mahārāja janamejaya rājā duryodhanaḥ (śraddhayā na, api tu) tasya śāpāt bibhyat divā-niśam ālasyam utsṛjya tasya sevāyāṃ lagnaḥ babhūva |
வைசம்பாயனர் கூறினார்—மகாராஜா! அவனுடைய சாபத்தால் அஞ்சித் துரியோதனன் கலங்கினான். மகாராஜ ஜனமேஜயா! நம்பிக்கையால் அல்ல; சாபத்தின் பயத்தால் அவன் சோம்பலை விட்டு இரவும் பகலும் அவரைச் சேவித்தான்.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical distinction between outwardly correct conduct and inner intention: fear of consequences (a curse) can produce discipline and service, but it is not the same as sincere faith or devotion. It invites reflection on motivation—whether actions arise from dharma-informed conviction or from anxiety and self-preservation.
Vaiśampāyana tells Janamejaya that Duryodhana, shaken by the threat of a curse, abandons laziness and stays continually engaged in serving the person whose curse he fears—showing a pragmatic, fear-driven compliance rather than heartfelt reverence.