Shloka 22
चित्रसेन-समागमः / The Engagement with Citrasena and the Gandharvas
सूर्यवैश्वानरसमान् सोमकल्पान् महारथात् । सेवे चक्षुर्हण: पार्थननुग्रवीर्यप्रतापिन:,“कुन्तीदेवीके पाँचों पुत्र ही मेरे पति हैं। वे सूर्य और अग्निके समान तेजस्वी, चन्द्रमाके समान आह्ाद प्रदान करनेवाले, महारथी, दृष्टिमात्रसे ही शत्रुओंको मारनेकी शक्ति रखनेवाले तथा भयंकर बल-पराक्रम एवं प्रतापसे युक्त हैं। मैं सदा उन्हींकी सेवामें लगी रहती हूँ
sūryavaiśvānara-samān somakalpān mahārathān | seve cakṣurhaṇāḥ pārthān ugravīrya-pratāpinaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “I serve the Pārthas—mighty chariot-warriors—radiant like the Sun and the sacred Fire, and soothing like the Moon. They can strike down enemies by mere glance, endowed with fierce strength, valor, and splendor. I remain ever engaged in their service.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic ideal of steadfast service (sevā) to worthy protectors and leaders, while also portraying true heroism as a combination of radiant power (sūrya/vaiśvānara) and benevolent, calming presence (soma).
In Vaiśampāyana’s narration, a speaker (contextually a devoted attendant/consort figure) declares continual service to the Pāṇḍavas, praising them as supreme warriors whose mere glance can destroy foes and whose strength and splendor are both fearsome and uplifting.