Shloka 9
Bhīṣma’s Admonition; Duryodhana’s Rājasūya Aspiration and the Proposal of a Vaiṣṇava-satra
स स्त्रीगणावृतो राजा प्रदह्ृष्ट: प्रददौ वसु । तेभ्यो यथाहमन्नानि पानानि विविधानि च,अपनी स्त्रियोंके साथ राजा दुर्योधन उनको देखकर बहुत प्रसन्न हुआ और उन्हें बहुत- सा धन दिया तथा यथायोग्य नाना प्रकारकी खाने-पीनेकी वस्तुएँ अर्पित की
sa strīgaṇāvṛto rājā prahṛṣṭaḥ pradadau vasu | tebhyo yathārham annāni pānāni vividhāni ca ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Si Haring Duryodhana, na napalilibutan ng kanyang mga kababaihan, ay labis na natuwa nang makita sila. Ipinagkaloob niya sa kanila ang kayamanan at, ayon sa nararapat, naghandog ng sari-saring pagkain at inumin. Ipinakikita ng tagpong ito kung paanong naihahayag ang kapangyarihang maharlika sa pamamagitan ng pag-aanyaya at mga kaloob—na sa labas ay tila mapagbigay, ngunit maaari ring maglingkod sa pagmamataas, impluwensiya, at pulitika ng dangal at pangalan.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ambiguity of royal generosity: giving and hospitality are dharmic when rooted in respect and right intention, yet the same acts can become instruments of vanity, social control, or political self-display.
Duryodhana, accompanied by his womenfolk, is pleased upon seeing certain visitors and responds by distributing wealth and offering them assorted foods and drinks in a manner deemed appropriate to their status.