Shloka 10
पाणिमान् कुण्डधारश्न बलवान् पृथिवीपते । प्रहादो मूषिकादश्व॒ तथैव जनमेजय:,पाणिमान्ू, बलवान कुण्डधार, प्रहाद, मूषिकाद, जनमेजय आदि नाग जो पताका, मण्डल और फणोंसे सुशोभित वहाँ उपस्थित होते हैं, महानाग भगवान् अनन्त भी वहाँ स्थित होते हैं, जिन्हें देखते ही जलके स्वामी वरुण आसन आदि देते और सत्कारपूर्वक उनका पूजन करते हैं। वासुकि आदि सभी नाग हाथ जोड़कर उनके सामने खड़े होते और भगवान् शेषकी आज्ञा पाकर यथायोग्य आसनोंपर बैठकर वहाँकी शोभा बढ़ाते हैं। युधिष्ठि!! ये तथा और भी बहुतसे नाग उस सभामें क्लेशरहित हो महात्मा वरुणकी उपासना करते हैं
nāradā uvāca | pāṇimān kuṇḍadhāraś ca balavān pṛthivīpate | prahrādo mūṣikādaś ca tathaiva janamejayaḥ ||
Narada said: “O lord of the earth, there are also Nāgas named Pāṇimān, Kuṇḍadhāra, Balavān, Prahrāda, Mūṣikāda, and likewise Janamejaya.” In this context, Narada is enumerating prominent serpent-lords who attend Varuṇa’s splendid assembly—adorned with banners, coils, and hoods—where even Ananta (Śeṣa) is present and honored. The passage underscores a courtly ethic of reverence: Varuṇa receives the great ones with due hospitality, and the other Nāgas stand with folded hands, taking their seats only by Śeṣa’s command, worshipping without distress.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights dharmic social order in a royal/divine court: greatness is met with proper honor (satkāra), juniors show humility (folded hands), and even powerful beings act within a hierarchy—taking seats only by the command of the foremost (Śeṣa).
Nārada is listing notable Nāgas who are present in Varuṇa’s splendid assembly. The wider description portrays their orderly attendance and worship, and Varuṇa’s respectful reception of Ananta/Śeṣa, with other Nāgas like Vāsuki standing reverently and seating themselves appropriately.