Shloka 16
Nārada Instructs Prācīnabarhiṣat: The Purañjana Narrative Begins
City of Nine Gates
सभाचत्वररथ्याभिराक्रीडायतनापणै: । चैत्यध्वजपताकाभिर्युक्तां विद्रुमवेदिभि: ॥ १६ ॥
sabhā-catvara-rathyābhir ākrīḍāyatanāpaṇaiḥ caitya-dhvaja-patākābhir yuktāṁ vidruma-vedibhiḥ
Within that city were assembly halls, squares and crossings, streets, places of sport, taverns, gambling houses, markets, resting places, shrines, banners and festoons, and coral altars that added splendor. All these adorned the city on every side.
In this way the capital is described. In the capital there are assembly houses and many squares, many street crossings, avenues and streets, many gambling places, markets and places of rest, all decorated with flags and festoons. The squares are surrounded with railings and are devoid of trees. The heart of the body can be compared to the assembly house, for the living entity is within the heart along with the Paramātmā, and thus the heart is the center of all remembrance, forgetfulness and deliberation. As stated in Bhagavad-gītā (15.15) , sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo mattaḥ smṛtir jñānam apohanaṁ ca. In the body the eyes, ears and nose are different places of attraction for sense enjoyment, and the streets for going hither and thither may be compared to different types of air blowing within the body. The yogic process for controlling the air within the body and the different nerves is called suṣumnā, the path of liberation. The body is also a resting place because when the living entity becomes fatigued he takes rest within the body. The palms and the soles of the feet are compared to flags and festoons.
FAQs
This verse describes the city as highly developed and attractive—filled with halls, streets, markets, recreation areas, shrines, and festive banners—illustrating the alluring nature of material life.
He is narrating the allegory of King Purañjana, where the splendid city imagery sets the stage for understanding how the embodied soul becomes captivated by external arrangements and sense-oriented living.
Comfort, commerce, and entertainment can be impressive, but a devotee should remain aware that outward prosperity is not the ultimate goal; spiritual purpose and devotion must remain central.