Shloka 2
Kailāsa-darśana, Badarī-vāsa, and Sarasvatī–Dvaitavana Transition (कैलासदर्शन–बदरीवास–सरस्वतीद्वैतवनगमनम्)
रत्नद्रुममयैश्षित्रै: सुस्वरैश्व पतत्त्रिभि: पौलोमै: कालकज्जैश्न नित्यहृष्टे रधिष्ठितम्,विचित्र र॒त्नमय वृक्ष और मधुर स्वरमें बोलनेवाले पक्षी उस नगरकी शोभा बढ़ाते थे। पौलोम और कालकज्ज नामक दानव सदा प्रसन्नतापूर्वक वहाँ निवास करते थे
ratnadrumamayaiḥ śitraiḥ susvaraiś ca patattribhiḥ paulomaiḥ kālakajjaiś ca nityahṛṣṭe rathādhiṣṭhitam |
Arjuna said: “That city was adorned with wondrous jewel-like trees and with birds of sweet song. There, the demons named Pauloma and Kālakañja dwelt continually in a state of delight.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward splendor—jewel-like trees and enchanting birdsong—can coexist with morally ambiguous inhabitants (dānavas). In Mahābhārata’s ethical landscape, such beauty often serves as a reminder to discern substance and character beyond appearances.
Arjuna is describing a marvelous city: it is ornamented by gem-like trees and sweet-singing birds, and it is inhabited by the dānavas Pauloma and Kālakañja, who live there in constant delight.