उद्योगपर्व (अध्याय १२९) — केशवस्य वैभवप्रदर्शनम् / Krishna’s Theophanic Display in the Kuru Assembly
दुर्योधनस्य कर्णस्य शकुने: सौबलस्य च । दुःशासनचतुर्थानामिदमासीद् विचेष्टितम्,उस समय दुर्योधन, कर्ण, सुबलपुत्र शकुनि तथा दुःशासन--इन चारोंका निश्चय इस प्रकार हुआ
duryodhanasya karṇasya śakuneḥ saubalasya ca | duḥśāsana-caturthānām idam āsīd viceṣṭitam ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Ito ang napagkaisahang hakbang ng apat—si Duryodhana, si Karṇa, si Śakuni na anak ni Subala, at si Duḥśāsana.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights how collective resolve among influential figures can accelerate adharma: when counsel is dominated by pride, envy, and expediency, decisions become schemes rather than righteous policy, and the ethical cost spreads beyond the individuals to the whole polity.
Vaiśampāyana introduces a decisive moment: Duryodhana, Karṇa, Śakuni, and Duḥśāsana form a unified plan of action. The verse functions as a narrative hinge, preparing the listener for the specific maneuver they are about to undertake.