Shloka 3.11.19

पञ्चाप्सरो-सरः कथनम् तथा अगस्त्याश्रममार्गनिर्देशः (Panchapsara Lake Account and Directions to Agastya)

Devanagari script

तासां सङ्क्रीडमानानामेष वादित्रनिस्स्वनः।।।।श्रूयते भूषणोन्मिश्रो गीतशब्दो मनोहरः।

Transliteration

tāsāṃ saṅkrīḍamānānām eṣa vāditranissvanaḥ |

śrūyate bhūṣaṇonmiśro gītaśabdo manoharaḥ ||

Translation

As they sported, the sound of instruments was heard—sweet song mingled with the tinkling of ornaments, delightful to the mind.

Context

While the apsaras played their musical instruments, their melodious songs mingledwith the sounds of ornaments are heard.

Characters & Entities

• apsarasaḥ (implied by tāsām)
• vāditra (musical instruments)
• bhūṣaṇa (ornaments)
• gīta (song)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma requires guarding the senses: attractive sounds and pleasures can become instruments of distraction from truth and discipline.

What is the narrative situation?

The scene describes the enchanting environment created by the apsarases—music, song, and ornament-sounds.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is pratyāhāra/indriya-saṃyama (withdrawal and control of the senses), essential for sustaining tapas and satya.