Shloka 19
पितृयज्ञे नारायणतत्त्वम् — The Nārāyaṇa Grounding of Ancestral Offerings
पज्चचूडाप्र भूतयो भृशमुत्फुल्ललोचना:
pañcacūḍāprabhūtayo bhṛśamutphullalocanāḥ
शुकदेवजी बोले—वे पञ्चचूड़ा-प्रभृति (एक विशेष वर्ग) की दिव्य स्त्रियाँ थीं; उनके नेत्र अत्यन्त विस्फारित और उत्कंठा से भरे हुए थे।
शुक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily serves a descriptive function: it heightens the sense of marvel by portraying a distinct class of beings as intensely alert and excited (wide-open eyes), supporting the larger Śānti-parvan discourse where extraordinary scenes and beings are used to frame ethical and spiritual instruction.
Śuka is describing the appearance and demeanor of a group identified as ‘Pañcacūḍā’—numerous beings whose eyes are wide open, suggesting heightened attention, agitation, or astonishment at the unfolding event being narrated.