Shloka 12
आदि पर्व — अध्याय ८३: ययाति-इन्द्र-संवादः तथा अष्टक-प्रश्नः
Yayāti–Indra Dialogue and Aṣṭaka’s Inquiry
ददर्श च तदा तत्र कुमारान् देवरूपिण: । क्रीडमानान् सुविश्रब्धान् विस्मिता चेदमब्रवीत्,वहाँ उसने देवताओंके समान सुन्दर रूपवाले कुछ बालकोंको निर्भय होकर क्रीड़ा करते देखा। उन्हें देखकर आश्वर्यचकित हो वह इस प्रकार बोली
dadarśa ca tadā tatra kumārān devarūpiṇaḥ | krīḍamānān suviśrabdhān vismitā cedam abravīt |
Vaiśampāyana said: Then, there she saw some boys of godlike beauty, playing fearlessly and at ease. Astonished at the sight, she spoke as follows—setting in motion the next turn of the narrative, where wonder and inquiry lead toward recognition and the unfolding of dharma-bound events.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how wonder (vismaya) can become the doorway to inquiry and discernment; seeing extraordinary qualities prompts speech and investigation, through which hidden identities and dharma-driven destinies begin to unfold.
A woman (implied by the feminine 'vismitā') notices some godlike boys playing fearlessly. Struck with amazement, she begins to speak, introducing the next dialogue that will clarify who they are and why their presence matters.