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 |
サンジャヤは言った。「天にあって群星に囲まれた月が輝くように、青き衣をまとい白く澄んだ光を放つバラデーヴァ（バララーマ）もまた、集まった諸王のただ中に座し、星々に囲まれた月のごとく燦然と映えていた。」
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.