Shloka 21
Śikhaṇḍinī’s Marriage Arrangement and the Daśārṇa Envoy’s Accusation (शिखण्डिनी-विवाह-विप्रलम्भ-प्रसङ्गः)
तत्र च स्थूणभवन सुधामृत्तिकलेपनम् । लाजोल्लापिकधूमाद्यमुच्चप्राकारतोरणम्,उसके भीतर स्थूणाकर्णका विशाल भवन था, जो चूना और मिट्टीसे लीपा गया था। उसके परकोटे और फाटक बहुत ऊँचे थे। उसमें खसकी जड़के धूमकी सुगन्ध फैली हुई थी
tatra ca sthūṇabhavanaṃ sudhāmṛttikulepanam | lājollāpikadhūmādyam uccaprākāratoraṇam |
Там, внутри, стоял великий столпный чертог, обмазанный известью и глиной. Его стены и ворота поднимались необычайно высоко, а всё место было пронизано благоуханным дымом ароматических веществ — признаком тщательной подготовки, достатка и намеренного явления царственного порядка и охраны.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward order—clean plastered halls, strong walls, lofty gates, and auspicious fragrance—signals disciplined governance and preparedness. In the Udyoga context (the lead-up to war), such imagery underscores that power should be structured, protected, and maintained with propriety rather than chaos.
Bhīṣma is describing a grand, well-fortified residence/complex: a large pillared building plastered with lime and clay, with very high ramparts and gateways, and an atmosphere filled with fragrant incense-smoke and similar aromatics—setting a scene of royal magnificence and careful arrangement.