Shloka 12
युद्धसंग्रहः
Kurukṣetra Campaign in Summary
वस्त्रमाल्योत्करयुतो वीणावेणुमृदड्भगवान् । सुरामैरेयमिश्रेण भक्ष्यभोज्येन चैव ह,उस महान् पर्वतपर होनेवाला वह महोत्सव परम मंगलमय प्रतीत होता था। वहाँ दूकानें और बाजार लगी थीं। भक्ष्य-भोज्य पदार्थ यथेष्ट रूपसे प्राप्त होते थे। सब ओर घूमने-फिरनेकी सुविधा थी। वस्त्रों और मालाओंके ढेर लगे थे। वीणा, वेणु और मृदंग बज रहे थे। इन सबके कारण वहाँकी रमणीयता बहुत बढ़ गयी थी। वहाँ दीनों, अन्धों और अनाथोंके लिये निरन्तर सुरा-मैरेयमिश्रित भक्ष्य-भोज्य पदार्थ दिये जाते थे
vaiśampāyana uvāca | vastramālyotkarayuto vīṇāveṇumṛdaṅgabhagavān | surāmaireyamiśreṇa bhakṣyabhojyena caiva ha ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The great festive gathering appeared supremely auspicious—heaped with garments and garlands, resonant with the music of vīṇā, flute, and mṛdaṅga drums, and abundantly supplied with foods and drinks, including surā and maireya. Markets and stalls were set up, provisions were available in plenty, and movement was easy in every direction. Moreover, for the poor, the blind, and the orphaned, food and drink mixed with surā and maireya were continually distributed—showing the event’s public generosity even amid its indulgent revelry.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a ruler’s public celebration marked by abundance and cultural refinement (music, ornaments) alongside social responsibility: continuous provision for the vulnerable. Ethically, it juxtaposes generosity and welfare with the presence of intoxicants, inviting reflection on how prosperity and pleasure are to be balanced with dharmic care for those in need.
Vaiśampāyana describes the atmosphere of a grand festival associated with the Ashvamedha context: stalls and markets, plentiful food, heaps of garments and garlands, and music from instruments. The scene includes organized distribution of food and drink to the poor, blind, and orphaned, emphasizing the scale and public character of the event.