Shloka 41
शकुनेः पुत्रेण सह आश्वमेधाश्वविषयः संघर्षः — Arjuna’s restrained engagement with Śakuni’s son during the horse-escort
स्रग्विणश्नापि ते सर्वे सुमृष्टमणिकुण्डला:,सैकड़ों और हजारों मनुष्य वहाँ ब्राह्मणोंको तरह-तरहके भोजन परोसते थे। वे सब- के-सब सोनेके हार और विशुद्ध मणिमय कुण्डलोंसे अलंकृत होते थे। राजाके अनुयायी पुरुष वहाँ ब्राह्मणोंको तरह-तरहके अन्न-पान एवं राजोचित भोजन अर्पित करते थे
sragviṇaś cāpi te sarve sumṛṣṭa-maṇi-kuṇḍalāḥ
Vaiśampāyana said: All those attendants were adorned with garlands and wore well-polished, jewel-made earrings. In that place, the king’s followers respectfully served the brāhmaṇas with many kinds of food and drink, offering fare befitting a royal sacrifice—an outward display of honor, generosity, and ritual propriety.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic kingship expressed through honoring brāhmaṇas and guests: generosity, respectful service, and proper ritual conduct are shown not only by words but by organized, dignified giving.
During the Aśvamedha-related proceedings, the king’s attendants—visibly adorned with garlands and jeweled earrings—are engaged in serving and distributing various foods and drinks to brāhmaṇas, reflecting the scale and decorum of the royal rite.