Shloka 118
तांस्तै्निवेदितान् दृष्टवा पाण्डवान् कौरवास्तदा । शिष्टाश्च वर्णा: पौरा ये ते हर्षाच्चुक्रुशुर्भशम्,ऋषियोंद्वारा लाये हुए उन पाण्डवोंको देखकर सभी कौरव और नगरनिवासी, शिष्ट तथा वर्णाश्रमी हर्षसे भरकर अत्यन्त कोलाहल करने लगे
tāṁs tair niveditān dṛṣṭvā pāṇḍavān kauravās tadā | śiṣṭāś ca varṇāḥ paurā ye te harṣāc cukruśur bhaśam ||
When the Kauravas then saw the Pāṇḍavas—introduced and presented by those sages—the respectable townspeople as well, men of proper conduct and of the social orders, were filled with joy and raised a great clamour. The scene underscores how the rightful heirs, long absent, awaken public hope and collective approval, and how the voice of the community responds to perceived legitimacy and dharmic order.
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights communal recognition of rightful lineage and dharmic order: when those seen as legitimate and virtuous heirs appear, society’s ‘śiṣṭa’ (cultured) segment responds with approval, suggesting that public ethics and social stability are tied to perceived righteousness in leadership.
Sages bring and formally introduce the Pāṇḍavas; upon seeing them, the Kauravas and the citizens of the city—especially the respectable and orderly sections—become delighted and raise a loud, celebratory outcry.