Shloka 9
मेरोर्दिग्वर्णनम् / Digvarṇana of Meru: Uttara-Kuru, Bhadrāśva, and Jambūdvīpa Motifs
एकं मणिमयं तत्र तथैकं रौक्ममद्धभुतम् । सर्वरत्नमयं चैक॑ भवनैरुपशोभितम्
ekaṁ maṇimayaṁ tatra tathaikaṁ raukmam adbhutam | sarvaratnamayaṁ caikaṁ bhavanair upaśobhitam, manujeśvara |
அங்கே ஒரு சிகரம் மணிமயம்; இன்னொன்று அதிசயமான பொன்மயம்; மூன்றாவது பல மாளிகைகளால் அலங்கரிக்கப்பட்டு எல்லா வகை ரத்தினங்களாலும் ஆனதாகத் திகழ்கிறது.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily serves descriptive narration rather than direct moral instruction; it underscores the epic’s sense of wonder and the grandeur of the world surrounding the war, reminding a ruler (manujeśvara) that power and splendor are transient backdrops to ethical choices made in the conflict.
Sañjaya reports to the king about a remarkable mountain with three distinct peaks—one gem-like, one golden, and one glittering with all jewels and adorned by many mansions—continuing a vivid topographical description within Bhīṣma Parva.