Shloka 5
धृतराष्ट्र–संजय संवादः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Sañjaya on Arjuna’s Indraloka report and the political consequences
निर्गम्य चन्द्रोदयने विगाढे रजनीमुखे । प्रस्थिता सा पृथुश्रोणी पार्थस्य भवन प्रति,संध्याको चन्द्रोदय होनेपर जब चारों ओर चाँदनी छिटक गयी, उस समय वह विशाल नितम्बोंवाली अप्सरा अपने भवनसे निकलकर अर्जुनके निवासस्थानकी ओर चली
nirgamya candrodayane vigāḍhe rajanīmukhe | prasthitā sā pṛthuśroṇī pārthasya bhavana prati ||
Vaiśampāyana said: When twilight had deepened and the moon had risen, spreading its light all around, that apsaras—broad-hipped and radiant—left her own dwelling and set out toward Pārtha Arjuna’s residence. The scene frames a morally charged encounter: under the cover of night’s beauty, desire approaches a disciplined hero, testing restraint and right conduct.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets up an ethical test: alluring circumstances and desire can approach quietly and beautifully, but a dharmic life requires vigilance and self-mastery, especially for one committed to vows and higher aims.
At nightfall, after moonrise, an apsaras leaves her own abode and walks toward Arjuna’s residence, initiating the next phase of an encounter in which Arjuna’s conduct and restraint will be tested.