Shloka 9
अध्याय ८ — शल्यस्य सत्कारः, वरदानं, पाण्डवसमागमश्च (Śalya’s Reception, the Boon, and Meeting the Pāṇḍavas)
शिल्पिभिविविधैश्वैव क्रीडास्तत्र प्रयोजिता: । तत्र वस्त्राणि माल्यानि भक्ष्यं पेयं च सत्कृतम्
śilpibhir vividhaiś caiva krīḍās tatra prayojitāḥ | tatra vastrāṇi mālyāni bhakṣyaṁ peyaṁ ca satkṛtam ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Artesanos diestros de muchas clases habían dispuesto allí diversos lugares y medios de recreo. En aquel ámbito se guardaban vestidos y guirnaldas, junto con comida y bebida, y otras provisiones preparadas para honrar y dar la bienvenida a los huéspedes—señales de una hospitalidad cuidadosa y de un orden social bien establecido.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights satkāra—proper hospitality and respectful reception—as a marker of dharma in public and royal settings: resources and comforts are arranged not merely for pleasure but to honor guests and maintain social propriety.
The narrator describes a prepared venue where many artisans have set up diverse recreational arrangements, and where garments, garlands, food, drink, and other items for honoring visitors have been kept ready.