Shloka 26
Chapter 84: Brahmā’s Counsel on Tāraka, the Search for Agni, and the Genesis of Skanda
Kārttikeya
सौवर्णा गिरयस्तत्र मणिरत्नशिलोच्चया: । सर्वरत्नमयैर्भान्ति शंगैश्वारुभिरुच्छितै:,वहाँ सोनेके पर्वत तथा मणि और रत्नोंके शैलसमूह हैं, जो अपने मनोहर, ऊँचे तथा सर्वरत्नमय शिखरोंसे सुशोभित होते हैं
sauvarṇā girayas tatra maṇiratnaśilocchrayāḥ | sarvaratnamayair bhānti śṛṅgaiś cārubhir ucchitaiḥ ||
Vyāsa describes that region as adorned with golden mountains and lofty masses of rock made of gems and precious stones. Their beautiful, towering peaks—entirely resplendent with all kinds of jewels—shine brilliantly, evoking a vision of extraordinary splendor that underscores the otherworldly grandeur of the place being narrated.
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily conveys the Mahābhārata’s use of sacred geography: extraordinary landscapes symbolize realms shaped by merit and divine order. Such descriptions remind the listener that the moral quality of beings and worlds (puṇya/pāpa, dharma/adharma) is reflected in the very texture of the cosmos.
Vyāsa is narrating a vision-like description of a particular region, emphasizing its supernatural magnificence—golden mountains and jewel-formed peaks—thereby setting an awe-filled scene within the broader discourse of the Anuśāsana Parva.