Adhyāya 125: Raṅga-pradarśana — Arjuna’s Entry and Astric Demonstration (रङ्गप्रदर्शनम्)
जलस्थानैश्व विविधै: पप्मिनीभिश्न शोभितम् | पाण्डोर्वनं तत् सम्प्रेक्ष्य प्रजज्ञे हूदि मन्मथ:
jalasthānaiś ca vividhaiḥ padminībhiś ca śobhitam | pāṇḍor vanaṃ tat samprekṣya prajajñe hṛdi manmathaḥ ||
ವಿವಿಧ ಜಲಾಶಯಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಪದ್ಮಿನೀ ಸರೋವರಗಳಿಂದ ಶೋಭಿತವಾದ ಆ ವನವನ್ನು ಕಂಡ ಪಾಂಡುವಿನ ಹೃದಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಮನ್ಮಥ (ಕಾಮ) ಉದಯವಾಯಿತು.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights how sensory beauty can awaken desire in the heart; ethical vigilance and self-restraint are needed because inner impulses can arise suddenly from external stimuli, shaping later actions and consequences.
Vaiśampāyana describes a forest rich with waters and lotus-ponds. Seeing its enchanting beauty, King Pāṇḍu experiences the stirring of Manmatha (desire) within his heart, setting the emotional tone for the events that follow.