Shloka 203
Śalya-parva Adhyāya 34: Balarāma’s Withdrawal, Sarasvatī Pilgrimage Logistics, and Prabhāsa as Soma’s Renewal Tīrtha
दिवीव नक्षत्रगणै: परिकीर्णो निशाकर: । राजाओंके मध्यभागमें बैठे हुए नीलाम्बरधारी गौरकान्ति बलरामजी आकाशमें नक्षत्रोंसे घिरे हुए चन्द्रमाके समान शोभा पा रहे थे
divīva nakṣatragaṇaiḥ parikīrṇo niśākaraḥ | rājñāṃ madhyabhāge niṣaṇṇo nīlāmbara-dhārī gaurakānti-baladevaḥ ākāśe nakṣatraiḥ parivṛto candramā iva śobhāṃ lebhe |
Sañjaya said: Just as the moon shines in the sky surrounded by clusters of stars, so too did Baladeva—fair in radiance and clad in blue garments—sit in the midst of the assembled kings, appearing resplendent like the moon encircled by stars. The image underscores his eminent stature and the reverent attention he commands even amid the tense, war-shadowed gathering of rulers.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse conveys ethical and social order through imagery: true eminence naturally draws attention and respect, as the moon stands out among stars. In a royal assembly—especially during wartime—dignity, restraint, and recognized stature help maintain decorum and hierarchy aligned with dharma.
Sañjaya describes Baladeva seated among many kings. His fair radiance and blue attire make him stand out, and the poet compares his splendour to the moon surrounded by stars, emphasizing his prominence within the gathering.