Adhyāya 125: Raṅga-pradarśana — Arjuna’s Entry and Astric Demonstration (रङ्गप्रदर्शनम्)
जलस्थानैश्व विविधै: पप्मिनीभिश्न शोभितम् | पाण्डोर्वनं तत् सम्प्रेक्ष्य प्रजज्ञे हूदि मन्मथ:
jalasthānaiś ca vividhaiḥ padminībhiś ca śobhitam | pāṇḍor vanaṃ tat samprekṣya prajajñe hṛdi manmathaḥ ||
مختلف آبی ذخائر اور کنول بھرے تالابوں سے آراستہ اُس جنگل کو دیکھ کر پاندو کے دل میں مَنمَتھ (کام) جاگ اٹھا۔
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights how sensory beauty can awaken desire in the heart; ethical vigilance and self-restraint are needed because inner impulses can arise suddenly from external stimuli, shaping later actions and consequences.
Vaiśampāyana describes a forest rich with waters and lotus-ponds. Seeing its enchanting beauty, King Pāṇḍu experiences the stirring of Manmatha (desire) within his heart, setting the emotional tone for the events that follow.