Shloka 9
Saptasārasvata-tīrtha-prasaṅgaḥ | The Saptasārasvata Pilgrimage Account and the Maṅkaṇaka Narrative
श्रुत्वा गीत॑ च तद् दिव्यं वादित्राणां च नि:स्वनम् छायाश्व विपुला दृष्टवा देवगन्धर्वरक्षसाम्
śrutvā gītaṃ ca tad divyaṃ vāditrāṇāṃ ca niḥsvanam | chāyāś ca vipulā dṛṣṭvā devagandharvarakṣasām ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Al oír aquel canto celestial y el resonar de los instrumentos, y al ver las vastas y sobrecogedoras figuras de Devas, Gandharvas y Rākṣasas, los presentes sintieron que fuerzas sobrehumanas se habían congregado en torno al campo de batalla—un instante a modo de presagio, que acrecienta la gravedad moral de la guerra y las consecuencias de las decisiones que se están tomando.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that human conflict—especially war driven by adharma—does not remain merely human in its scope: it draws the attention of higher and darker powers alike, reminding listeners that actions on the battlefield carry cosmic and ethical consequences.
A celestial song and the loud music of instruments are heard, and immense shadowy forms of Devas, Gandharvas, and Rākṣasas are perceived—suggesting a supernatural gathering or portent surrounding the events of the war.