Shloka 9
Saptasārasvata-tīrtha-prasaṅgaḥ | The Saptasārasvata Pilgrimage Account and the Maṅkaṇaka Narrative
श्रुत्वा गीत॑ च तद् दिव्यं वादित्राणां च नि:स्वनम् छायाश्व विपुला दृष्टवा देवगन्धर्वरक्षसाम्
śrutvā gītaṃ ca tad divyaṃ vāditrāṇāṃ ca niḥsvanam | chāyāś ca vipulā dṛṣṭvā devagandharvarakṣasām ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Hearing that celestial song and the resonant sound of musical instruments, and seeing the vast, looming forms of Devas, Gandharvas, and Rākṣasas, the onlookers were struck by the sense that superhuman forces had gathered around the battlefield—an omen-like moment that heightens the moral gravity of the war and the consequences of the choices being made.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that human conflict—especially war driven by adharma—does not remain merely human in its scope: it draws the attention of higher and darker powers alike, reminding listeners that actions on the battlefield carry cosmic and ethical consequences.
A celestial song and the loud music of instruments are heard, and immense shadowy forms of Devas, Gandharvas, and Rākṣasas are perceived—suggesting a supernatural gathering or portent surrounding the events of the war.