Shloka 203
Śalya-parva Adhyāya 34: Balarāma’s Withdrawal, Sarasvatī Pilgrimage Logistics, and Prabhāsa as Soma’s Renewal Tīrtha
दिवीव नक्षत्रगणै: परिकीर्णो निशाकर: । राजाओंके मध्यभागमें बैठे हुए नीलाम्बरधारी गौरकान्ति बलरामजी आकाशमें नक्षत्रोंसे घिरे हुए चन्द्रमाके समान शोभा पा रहे थे
divīva nakṣatragaṇaiḥ parikīrṇo niśākaraḥ | rājñāṃ madhyabhāge niṣaṇṇo nīlāmbara-dhārī gaurakānti-baladevaḥ ākāśe nakṣatraiḥ parivṛto candramā iva śobhāṃ lebhe |
Wika ni Sañjaya: Gaya ng buwan sa langit na kumikislap na napaliligiran ng mga pulutong ng bituin, gayon din si Baladeva (Balarāma)—maputi ang ningning at nakabihis ng bughaw—na nakaupo sa gitna ng nagkakatipong mga hari, maningning na wari’y buwan na pinalilibutan ng mga bituin.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse conveys ethical and social order through imagery: true eminence naturally draws attention and respect, as the moon stands out among stars. In a royal assembly—especially during wartime—dignity, restraint, and recognized stature help maintain decorum and hierarchy aligned with dharma.
Sañjaya describes Baladeva seated among many kings. His fair radiance and blue attire make him stand out, and the poet compares his splendour to the moon surrounded by stars, emphasizing his prominence within the gathering.