Shloka 2.50.21
गङ्गादर्शनम् तथा गुहसमागमः (Vision of the Gaṅgā and Meeting with Guha)
क्वचित्कुमुदषण्डैश्च कुड्मलैरुपशोभिताम्।नानापुष्परजोध्वस्तां समदामिव च क्वचित्।।2.50.21।।
kvacit kumuda-ṣaṇḍaiś ca kuḍmalair upaśobhitām |
nānā-puṣpa-rajo-dhvastāṃ samadām iva ca kvacit ||2.50.21||
In some places she was further adorned with clusters of kumuda lilies and half-open buds; elsewhere, dusted with pollen from many flowers, she seemed as though gently intoxicated.
Here she is decked with hosts of water-lilies and half-blown flowers while elsewhere she looks intoxicated with the pollen fallen from various flowers.
Dharma as balance: the imagery of ‘intoxication’ is metaphorical, reminding that delight in beauty should remain within self-control and clarity.
The poet paints the river’s floral richness and the sensory atmosphere along its course.
Temperance (dama): enjoying beauty without losing discernment.