Shloka 7
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 103 — Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Gāndhārī Vivāha: Proposal, Consent, and the Vow
सोद्वेगा इव तं॑ दृष्टवा कन्या: परमशोभना: । अपाक्रामन्त ता: सर्वा वृद्ध इत्येव चिन्तया,उस समय सब ओर राजाओंके नाम ले-लेकर उन सबका परिचय दिया जा रहा था। इतनेमें ही शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्म, जो अब वृद्ध हो चले थे, वहाँ अकेले ही आ पहुँचे। उन्हें देखकर वे सब परम सुन्दरी कन्याएँ उद्विग्न-सी होकर, ये बूढ़े हैं, ऐसा सोचती हुई वहाँसे दूर भाग गयीं
sodvegā iva taṁ dṛṣṭvā kanyāḥ paramaśobhanāḥ | apākrāmanta tāḥ sarvā vṛddha ityeva cintayā ||
فلما رأينه اضطربت تلك الفتيات الباهرات الجمال كأنما أصابهن فزع؛ ولم يفكرن إلا: «إنه شيخ»، فتنحّين جميعًا وابتعدن عنه.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how quick, surface-level judgments—here, equating age with undesirability—can drive behavior. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical landscape, it invites reflection on discernment (viveka) and respect beyond appearances, especially in contexts shaped by social expectation and dynastic aims.
As a notable figure arrives, the assembled maidens, on seeing him, become uneasy and step away, thinking he is old. The moment captures the social dynamics of a marriage-selection setting, where appearance and suitability are immediately assessed.