Yudhiṣṭhira’s Post-Accession Settlements and Approach to Vāsudeva (युधिष्ठिरस्य राज्यस्थापनं वासुदेवाभिगमनं च)
कौस्तुभेनोरसिस्थेन मणिनाभिविराजितम् । उद्यतेवोदयं शैलं सूर्येणाभिविराजितम्
kaustubhenorasi sthena maṇinābhivirājitam | udyatevodayaṁ śailaṁ sūryeṇābhivirājitam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: With the Kaustubha jewel resting upon his chest, he shone resplendently; it was as though the rising sun were illuminating the eastern mountain. The image heightens the sense of divine majesty and auspiciousness, presenting radiance as a sign of inner excellence and rightful sovereignty rather than mere ornament.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Radiance and beauty are presented as outward signs of auspicious virtue and rightful greatness: the Kaustubha’s brilliance symbolizes divine legitimacy and inner excellence, not mere luxury.
Vaiśampāyana describes a majestic figure adorned with the Kaustubha jewel on the chest, comparing the resulting splendor to the sunrise lighting up the eastern mountain.