Shloka 5
धृतराष्ट्र–संजय संवादः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Sañjaya on Arjuna’s Indraloka report and the political consequences
निर्गम्य चन्द्रोदयने विगाढे रजनीमुखे । प्रस्थिता सा पृथुश्रोणी पार्थस्य भवन प्रति,संध्याको चन्द्रोदय होनेपर जब चारों ओर चाँदनी छिटक गयी, उस समय वह विशाल नितम्बोंवाली अप्सरा अपने भवनसे निकलकर अर्जुनके निवासस्थानकी ओर चली
nirgamya candrodayane vigāḍhe rajanīmukhe | prasthitā sā pṛthuśroṇī pārthasya bhavana prati ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Nang lumalim ang dapithapon at sumikat ang buwan, na ikinalat ang liwanag sa paligid, ang apsaras na iyon—malapad ang balakang at maningning—ay lumisan sa sarili niyang tahanan at nagtungo sa tirahan ni Pārtha Arjuna. Itinatanghal ng tagpong ito ang isang pagtatagpong may bigat na moral: sa ilalim ng ganda ng gabi, lumalapit ang pagnanasa sa isang bayani ng disiplina, sinusubok ang pagpipigil at wastong asal.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets up an ethical test: alluring circumstances and desire can approach quietly and beautifully, but a dharmic life requires vigilance and self-mastery, especially for one committed to vows and higher aims.
At nightfall, after moonrise, an apsaras leaves her own abode and walks toward Arjuna’s residence, initiating the next phase of an encounter in which Arjuna’s conduct and restraint will be tested.