Shloka 25
ववौ शिव: सुखो वायु: सर्वगन्धवह: शुचि: । शान्तायां दिशि शान्ताश्च प्रावदन् मृगपक्षिण:,शीतल, सुखद, मन्द, पवित्र एवं सर्वथा सुगन्धयुक्त वायु चल रही थी, सम्पूर्ण दिशाएँ शान्त थीं और उनमें रहनेवाले पशु एवं पक्षी शान्तभावसे मनोहर वचन बोल रहे थे
vaiśampāyana uvāca | vavau śivaḥ sukho vāyuḥ sarvagandhavahaḥ śuciḥ | śāntāyāṃ diśi śāntāś ca prāvadan mṛgapakṣiṇaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: A benign and pleasant breeze was blowing—pure and bearing every fragrance. The quarters were tranquil, and in that calmness the beasts and birds too became gentle, uttering sweet, peaceful sounds—an outward sign that the moment was auspicious and conducive to settled, dharmic counsel rather than agitation.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a calm, fragrant, pure breeze and the quieting of animals and birds as an auspicious sign: when the environment becomes serene, it mirrors and supports inner composure, making it fit for dharmic reflection and wise instruction—central concerns of the Śānti Parva.
Vaiśampāyana describes the atmosphere as wholly peaceful: a gentle, fragrant wind blows, the directions are quiet, and even animals and birds seem calm and sweet-voiced. This sets a tranquil stage for the ensuing discourse characteristic of the Śānti Parva.