Shloka 18
वनप्रस्थानम् (Departure for the Forest) — Āraṇyaka-parva, Adhyāya 24
महाद्रुमाणां शिखरेषु तस्थु- मनोरमां वाचमुदीरयन्त: । मयूरदात्यूहचकोरसड्घा- स्तस्मिन् वने बर्हिणकोकिलाश्न,उस वनमें बड़े-बड़े वृक्षोंकी ऊँची शाखाओं-पर मयूर, चातक, चकोर, बर्हिण तथा कोकिल आदि पक्षी मनको भानेवाली मीठी बोली बोलते हुए बैठे थे
mahādrumāṇāṃ śikhareṣu tasthuḥ manorāmāṃ vācam udīrayantaḥ | mayūradātyūhacakorasāṅghās tasmin vane barhiṇakokilāś ca ||
Vaiśampāyana said: In that forest, flocks of birds—peacocks, dātyūhas, cakoras, barhiṇas, and cuckoos—sat upon the lofty tops of great trees, filling the woodland with sweet, pleasing calls.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the soothing order and harmony of the natural world. In the context of the Pandavas’ forest exile, such imagery implicitly encourages steadiness, restraint, and inner composure—virtues that help one endure adversity without losing dharmic balance.
The narrator describes the forest setting: birds perched high on large trees are singing sweetly. It is a scenic interlude that establishes atmosphere and contrasts the serenity of the wilderness with the tensions driving the larger epic story.