Shloka 37
Śārṅgakānāṃ Avināśaḥ (Why the Śārṅga Birds Were Spared) | शार्ङ्गकानामविनाशः
दह्तागुरुणा चैव देशे देशे सुगन्धिना । हृष्टपुष्टजनाकीर्ण वणिग्भिरुपशोभितम्,जगह-जगह जलते हुए अगुरुकी सुगन्ध फैल रही थी, सारा नगर हृष्ट-पुष्ट मनुष्योंसे भरा था। कितने ही व्यापारी उसकी शोभा बढ़ा रहे थे
dāhāgurūṇā caiva deśe deśe sugandhinā | hṛṣṭa-puṣṭa-janākīrṇaṃ vaṇigbhir upaśobhitam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “In every quarter the air was fragrant with the scent of burning aguru (aloeswood). The city was crowded with cheerful, well-nourished people, and its splendor was further enhanced by the presence of many merchants.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights markers of a well-ordered and flourishing society: public auspiciousness (fragrant incense), general well-being (people described as joyful and robust), and economic vitality (merchants enhancing the city’s splendor). Implicitly, prosperity and social harmony are presented as visible signs of good governance and dharmic stability.
The narrator describes a city in a festive or prosperous condition. Fragrance from burning aguru spreads throughout different quarters, the streets are crowded with happy, healthy people, and many merchants are present—suggesting bustling trade and an atmosphere of celebration or auspicious activity.