Shloka 20
पाण्डव-वृष्णि-समागमः तथा अश्वमेध-अनुज्ञा | Reunion at the Kuru Court and Authorization of the Aśvamedha
तत्र तत्र विविक्तेषु समन््तादुपशोभितम् | पताका धूयमानाश्च समन्तान्मातरिश्वना
tatra tatra vivikteṣu samantādupśobhitam | patākā dhūyamānāśca samantānmātariśvanā
There and there, in the open and spacious places, the scene was beautified on every side; and banners, stirred and made to flutter by the wind, waved all around—signs of festivity, royal order, and the public solemnity of the rite being prepared.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how a dharmic royal undertaking is marked by visible order, beauty, and auspicious signs. The ethical suggestion is that public rites and governance should manifest harmony and propriety—outer decorum reflecting inner commitment to duty.
Vaiśampāyana describes the surroundings as adorned in many places, with flags and banners fluttering in the wind. The imagery sets a ceremonial atmosphere consistent with preparations and public display connected to the Aśvamedha context of the parva.