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 |
毗湿摩波耶那说：在那些能够望见阿周那的高处与要津，成百上千的妇女凝眸伫立，目不转睛；而婆阇、弗利什尼与安陀迦诸族的男子也汇聚成一片浩大的会众。此景传达阿周那现身于众的庄重分量，以及夜陀婆诸社群的共同注目——敬慕与好奇使民众井然归一。
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.