Shloka 22
Chapter 84: Brahmā’s Counsel on Tāraka, the Search for Agni, and the Genesis of Skanda
Kārttikeya
महार्हमणिपत्रैश्न काउचनप्रभकेसरै: । नीलोत्पलविमिश्रैश्व सरोभिर्बहुपड्कजै:
mahārghamaṇipatraiś ca kāñcanaprabhakesaraiḥ | nīlotpalavimiśraiś ca sarobhir bahupaṅkajaiḥ ||
Vyāsa décrit cette contrée comme embellie par de nombreux lacs. Dans leurs eaux s’épanouissent d’innombrables lotus mêlés de nénuphars bleus ; leurs pétales semblent faits de gemmes précieuses, et leurs filaments rayonnent d’une lueur d’or—image d’une splendeur propice et d’un autre monde, qui baigne le récit d’une atmosphère de sainteté et d’élévation morale.
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily uses auspicious natural imagery—gem-like lotus petals and gold-radiant filaments—to signal a sanctified, elevated setting. Such descriptions in the Mahābhārata often prepare the reader for discourse or events associated with merit (puṇya), purity, and reverence.
Vyāsa is painting a vivid scene of a beautiful region adorned with many lakes filled with lotuses and blue water-lilies, emphasizing their extraordinary, jewel-and-gold-like brilliance to convey an otherworldly grandeur.