Shloka 12
युद्धसंग्रहः
Kurukṣetra Campaign in Summary
वस्त्रमाल्योत्करयुतो वीणावेणुमृदड्भगवान् । सुरामैरेयमिश्रेण भक्ष्यभोज्येन चैव ह
vaiśampāyana uvāca | vastramālyotkarayuto vīṇāveṇumṛdaṅgabhagavān | surāmaireyamiśreṇa bhakṣyabhojyena caiva ha ||
वैशंपायन म्हणाले—वस्त्रे व माळांचे ढीग, वीणा-वेणू-मृदंगाच्या निनादाने निनादित वातावरण, आणि सुरा व मैरेय सहित भक्ष्य-भोज्याने समृद्ध असा तो महान उत्सव-समागम परम मंगलमय भासत होता. तेथे बाजार व दुकाने मांडली होती; इच्छेप्रमाणे सर्व काही विपुल मिळत होते आणि सर्व दिशांनी ये-जा सुलभ होती. तरीही दीन, अंध व अनाथांसाठी सुरा-मैरेय मिश्रित भक्ष्य-भोज्य निरंतर वाटले जात होते.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a ruler’s public celebration marked by abundance and cultural refinement (music, ornaments) alongside social responsibility: continuous provision for the vulnerable. Ethically, it juxtaposes generosity and welfare with the presence of intoxicants, inviting reflection on how prosperity and pleasure are to be balanced with dharmic care for those in need.
Vaiśampāyana describes the atmosphere of a grand festival associated with the Ashvamedha context: stalls and markets, plentiful food, heaps of garments and garlands, and music from instruments. The scene includes organized distribution of food and drink to the poor, blind, and orphaned, emphasizing the scale and public character of the event.