Shloka 403
शकुनेः पुत्रेण सह आश्वमेधाश्वविषयः संघर्षः — Arjuna’s restrained engagement with Śakuni’s son during the horse-escort
गृहीत्वा भाजनान् जम्मुर्बहूनि भरतर्षभ । भरतश्रेष्ठ! वहाँ हजारों प्रकारकी जातियोंके लोग बहुत-से पात्र लेकर उपस्थित होते थे
gṛhītvā bhājanān jambur bahūni bharatarṣabha | bharataśreṣṭha! tatra sahasra-vidhābhir jātibhir janā bahūni pātrāṇi gṛhītvā upasthitā bhavanti sma ||
वैशम्पायन उवाच—भरतर्षभ, बहूनि भाजनानि गृहीत्वा जनाः समुपतस्थिरे। भरतश्रेष्ठ, तत्र सहस्रशो जातयः समुदायाश्च बहुभिः पात्रैः समायान्ति स्म, वितर्यमाणं द्रव्यं ग्रहीतुं सज्जाः।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic ideal of large-scale giving and hospitality associated with royal rites: society gathers to receive provisions, and the ruler’s ritual is marked by generosity that reaches diverse communities.
During the Ashvamedha-related proceedings, crowds from many different groups assemble at the venue carrying numerous vessels, indicating an organized distribution of food or gifts as part of the ritual and royal largesse.