Shloka 2
सभा तु सा मत्स्यपते: समृद्धा मणिप्रवेकोत्तमरत्नचित्रा । न्यस्तासना माल्यवती सुगन्धा तामभ्ययुस्ते नरराजवृद्धा:,मत्स्यदेशके अधिपति विराटकी वह सभा अत्यन्त समृद्धिशालिनी थी। उसमें मणियों (मोती-मूँगे आदि)-की खिड़कियाँ और झालरें लगी थीं। उसके फर्श और दीवारों में उत्तम- उत्तम रत्नों (हीरे-पन्ने आदि)-की पच्चीकारी की गयी थी। इन सबके कारण उसकी विचित्र शोभा हो रही थी। उस सभाभवनमें यथायोग्य स्थानोंपर आसन लगे हुए थे, जगह-जगह मालाएँ लटक रही थीं और सब ओर सुगन्ध फैल रही थी। वे श्रेष्ठ नरपतिगण उसी सभामें एकत्र हुए
vaiśaṃpāyana uvāca | sabhā tu sā matsyapateḥ samṛddhā maṇipravokottamaratnacitrā | nyastāsanā mālyavatī sugandhā tām abhyayus te nararājavṛddhāḥ ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: That royal assembly-hall of the lord of Matsya was exceedingly prosperous—adorned with jewel-work and inlaid with the finest gems. Seats had been set out in due order; garlands hung about, and fragrance pervaded the space. Into that splendid hall came the elder and foremost kings, gathering there in dignity and state.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ideals of kingship and public order: a well-appointed, orderly court symbolizes stability, prosperity, and readiness for counsel. Ethical governance is implied through proper arrangement (nyastāsanā) and dignified assembly of senior rulers, suggesting that major decisions should be taken in a formal, respectful, and well-structured setting.
The narrator describes the splendid assembly-hall of the Matsya king (Virāṭa)—richly decorated with jewels, garlands, and fragrance—then states that the elder and foremost kings arrive there and gather, setting the stage for a significant political meeting.