Shloka 29
शकुनेः पुत्रेण सह आश्वमेधाश्वविषयः संघर्षः — Arjuna’s restrained engagement with Śakuni’s son during the horse-escort
ददृशुस्तोरणान्यत्र शातकुम्भमयानि ते । शय्यासनविहारां श्व सुबहून् रत्नसंचयान्,उन्होंने वहाँ सुवर्णके बने हुए तोरण, शय्या, आसन, विहारस्थान तथा बहुत-से रत्नोंके ढेर देखे
dadarśus toraṇāny atra śātakumbhamayāni te | śayyāsanavihārāṁś ca bahūn ratnasañcayān ||
Vaiśampāyana said: There they beheld gateways fashioned of pure gold, along with beds, seats, and pleasure-pavilions, and also many heaps of precious gems. The scene underscores the immense royal wealth on display—an outward sign of sovereignty and prosperity—set within the larger Mahābhārata context where such splendor is ultimately weighed against right conduct (dharma) and the responsible use of power.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights extraordinary material abundance—gold and jewels—as a marker of royal power; within the Mahābhārata’s ethical horizon, such wealth is meaningful only when governed by dharma, reminding readers that splendor should serve righteous rule rather than pride or exploitation.
The narrator describes what the observers see at a particular location: ornate golden gateways, luxurious furnishings and recreation spaces, and large stores of gems—an inventory-like depiction of opulence encountered during the events of the Aśvamedhika Parva.