Shloka 18
Khāṇḍava-dāha: Strategic containment and Indra’s rain (Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 217)
अवलोकेषु नारीणां सहस्राणि शतानि च । भोजवृष्ण्यन्धकानां च समवायो महानभूत्,जहाँसे अर्जुनका दर्शन हो सके, ऐसे स्थानोंपर सैकड़ों-हजारों स्त्रियाँ आँख लगाये खड़ी थीं तथा भोज, वृष्णि और अन्धकवंशके पुरुषोंकी बहुत बड़ी भीड़ एकत्र हो गयी थी
avalokeṣu nārīṇāṃ sahasrāṇi śatāni ca | bhojavṛṣṇyandhakānāṃ ca samavāyo mahān abhūt |
ไวศัมปายนะกล่าวว่า— ณ จุดที่มองเห็นอรชุนได้ มีสตรีนับร้อยนับพันยืนจ้องตาไม่กะพริบ และหมู่ชนชายแห่งตระกูลโภชะ วฤษณิ และอันธกะ ก็ชุมนุมกันเป็นมหาฝูง
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how a person of recognized prowess and virtue becomes a focal point for society, drawing diverse groups into a shared, orderly attention. Ethically, it suggests that public admiration should manifest as disciplined gathering rather than disorder, reflecting communal cohesion around exemplary figures.
As Arjuna is to be seen, women position themselves at suitable vantage points and watch intently, while men of the Bhoja, Vṛṣṇi, and Andhaka clans assemble in large numbers. The narration sets a vivid social scene of anticipation and collective presence around Arjuna’s appearance.