Shloka 14
शकुनेः पुत्रेण सह आश्वमेधाश्वविषयः संघर्षः — Arjuna’s restrained engagement with Śakuni’s son during the horse-escort
स्तम्भान् कनकचित्रांश्व तोरणानि बृहन्ति च । यज्ञायतनदेशेषु दत्त्वा शुद्धं च काननम्
stambhān kanakacitrānś ca toraṇāni bṛhanti ca | yajñāyatanadeśeṣu dattvā śuddhaṃ ca kānanam |
Vaiśampāyana said: In the places set apart for the sacrificial enclosure, there were pillars adorned with gold and great ceremonial gateways. Pure gold was lavishly employed throughout the ritual precinct, making the setting worthy of the yajña. Moreover, for the women of the inner palace, for kings who had come from many lands, and for Brahmins arriving from diverse regions, Bhīma—Kuntī’s son—had many fine dwellings built, all in accordance with the ordinances of the śilpa-śāstra.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that dharma in ritual is expressed through orderly, pure, and generous preparation of the sacred space—honoring the rite, the gods, and the community of guests who sustain the sacrifice.
The narrator describes the splendid arrangements at the sacrificial precinct: gold-adorned pillars and large gateways, with pure materials used to consecrate and beautify the yajña-site in preparation for the Aśvamedha-related ceremonies.