Shloka 34
Adhyāya 325: Nārada in Śvetadvīpa—Stotra to the Nirguṇa Mahātman
सूक्ष्मरक्ताम्बरधरास्तप्तकाज्चन भूषणा: । संलापोल्लापकुशला नृत्यगीतविशारदा:
sūkṣma-raktāmbara-dharās tapta-kāñcana-bhūṣaṇāḥ | saṃlāpollāpa-kuśalā nṛtya-gīta-viśāradāḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: They wore fine red garments and were adorned with ornaments of heated gold. Skilled in refined conversation and playful repartee, they were accomplished in dance and song—figures of cultivated pleasure and display, emblematic of worldly allure rather than moral striving.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the attractiveness and sophistication of worldly pleasures—fine dress, gold ornaments, charming speech, music and dance—often used in Śānti Parva discussions to contrast external refinement with inner discipline, urging discernment about what truly supports dharma and peace of mind.
Bhīṣma is describing a group characterized by luxurious appearance and cultured entertainment skills—delicate red clothing, gold adornments, and expertise in conversation, dance, and song—painting a vivid picture of an alluring, pleasure-oriented milieu.