Shloka 17
Adhyāya 45 — Duryodhana’s Distress, Śakuni’s Counsel, and the Summons for Dyūta
तस्य तद् वचन श्रुत्वा शिशुपाल: प्रतापवान् | जहास स्वनवद्धासं वाक््यं चेदमुवाच ह,श्रीकृष्णका उपर्युक्त वचन सुनकर प्रतापी शिशुपाल खिलखिलाकर हँसने लगा और इस प्रकार बोला--
tasya tad vacanaṁ śrutvā śiśupālaḥ pratāpavān | jahāsa svanavaddhāsaṁ vākyaṁ cedam uvāca ha ||
Nghe những lời ấy, Śiśupāla hùng mạnh bật cười lớn đầy khinh miệt, rồi nói như sau—công khai tỏ rõ sự coi thường đối với lời khuyên vừa được đưa ra.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how contemptuous speech and ridicule in a public forum can escalate ethical and political conflict; it implicitly contrasts disciplined, dharmic restraint with pride-driven mockery that undermines harmony in the assembly.
After hearing the preceding statement (contextually, counsel or praise offered in the assembly), Śiśupāla reacts by laughing loudly and prepares to deliver a pointed reply, marking the beginning of his verbal challenge in the court setting.