Shloka 49
Śārṅgakānāṃ Avināśaḥ (Why the Śārṅga Birds Were Spared) | शार्ङ्गकानामविनाशः
स्नानपानोत्सवे चैव प्रयुक्त वयसान्वितम् । स्त्रीणां सहस्रं गौरीणां सुवेषाणां सुवर्चसाम्,स्नान, पान और उत्सवमें जिनका उपयोग किया गया था, जो वय:प्राप्त थीं, जिनके वेष सुन्दर और कान्ति मनोहर थी, जिन्होंने सोनेके सौ-सौ मणियोंकी कण्ठियाँ पहन रखी थीं, जिनके शरीरमें रोमावलियाँ नहीं प्रकट हुई थीं, जो वस्त्राभूषणोंसे अलंकृत तथा सेवाके काममें पूर्ण दक्ष थीं, ऐसी एक हजार गौरवर्णा कन्याएँ भी कमलनयन भगवान् श्रीकृष्णने भेंट कीं
snānapānotsave caiva prayukta-vayasa-anvitam | strīṇāṁ sahasraṁ gaurīṇāṁ suveṣāṇāṁ suvarcasām ||
Vaiśampāyana said: And he also presented a thousand fair-complexioned young women—of mature age—who had been employed in bathing, drinking-feasts, and festive occasions, adorned with fine attire and radiant in appearance.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily illustrates the epic’s depiction of royal dāna and courtly display; ethically, it invites reflection on how power and wealth can objectify human beings—especially women—within systems of prestige and exchange.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that, as part of ceremonial gifting and hospitality, a thousand well-adorned, mature young women associated with festive service (bathing, drink-feasts, celebrations) are included among the presented gifts.