Shloka 24
Śakrasya Divyā Sabhā
Indra’s Radiant Assembly Hall
तथैवाप्सरसो राजन् गन्धर्वाश्व॒ मनोरमा: । नृत्यवादित्रगीतैश्व हास्यैश्न विविधेरपि
tathaivāpsaraso rājan gandharvāś ca manoramāḥ | nṛtya-vāditra-gītaiś ca hāsyaiś ca vividher api ||
Nārada said: “In the same manner, O King, delightful Apsarases and Gandharvas (were present), entertaining (the assembly) with dance, instrumental music, and song, and also with various kinds of humorous amusements.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how worldly and even celestial pleasures—music, dance, and amusement—can adorn a royal assembly, suggesting the ethical need for discernment: splendor and entertainment are not inherently wrong, but they can distract rulers from restraint, duty, and clear judgment.
Nārada continues describing the magnificence of a royal hall/assembly, noting that Apsarases and Gandharvas were present and provided refined entertainment through dance, instrumental music, singing, and varied humorous performances.