Shloka 16
धृतराष्ट्र–संजय संवादः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Sañjaya on Arjuna’s Indraloka report and the political consequences
ततः प्राप्ता क्षणेनैव मन:पवनगामिनी । भवन पाण्डुपुत्रस्य फाल्गुनस्य शुचिस्मिता,मन और वायुके समान तीव्र वेगसे चलनेवाली वह पवित्र मुसकानसे सुशोभित अप्सरा क्षणभरमें पाण्डुकुमार अर्जुनके महलमें जा पहुँची
tataḥ prāptā kṣaṇenaiva manaḥpavanagāminī | bhavanaṃ pāṇḍuputrasya phālgunasya śucismitā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then, in that very instant, the apsaras—moving with the speed of mind and wind, and radiant with a pure, gentle smile—arrived at the residence of Phālguna, the son of Pāṇḍu (Arjuna). The scene shows how swiftly destiny’s messengers can reach a righteous hero, setting the stage for an encounter that will test restraint, purpose, and fidelity to dharma.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the suddenness with which trials and divine prompts can appear before a dharmic person. It implicitly points to vigilance and self-restraint: even a hero devoted to duty may be approached by alluring or extraordinary forces, and the ethical response depends on steadiness of mind.
An apsaras, described as moving with the speed of mind and wind and adorned with a pure smile, quickly reaches Arjuna’s dwelling. This functions as a narrative setup for an ensuing interaction involving Arjuna and a celestial visitor.