Śiva-nāmānukīrtana-prastāvaḥ
Prologue to the praise of Śiva and the Upamanyu testimony
नानापुष्परजोमिश्रो गजदानाधिवासित: । दिव्यस्त्रीगीतबहुलो मारुतो5भिमुखो ववौ
nānāpuṣparajomiśro gajadānādhivāsitaḥ | divyastrīgītabahulo māruto 'bhimukho vavau ||
Vāsudeva dit : « Une brise douce et favorable souffla vers eux, chargée de la poussière de pollen de mille fleurs, parfumée de l’odeur du rut des éléphants, et toute remplie des accents suaves et envoûtants des chants des femmes célestes. »
वासुदेव उवाच
The verse primarily functions as an auspicious, sensory omen: harmony in nature—fragrance, gentle wind, and celestial music—signals a divinely ordered moment. In Mahābhārata’s ethical imagination, such concord often frames righteous counsel and sacred occasions, implying that dharma is supported by a favorable cosmic atmosphere.
Vāsudeva describes the immediate surroundings: a soft wind blows toward the assembly, carrying mixed flower-pollen, the strong sweet scent associated with elephants in rut, and the prominent sound of melodious songs sung by celestial women—creating a richly auspicious scene.