पाण्डव-वृष्णि-समागमः तथा अश्वमेध-अनुज्ञा | Reunion at the Kuru Court and Authorization of the Aśvamedha
अलंचक्ुश्व माल्यौघधै: पुरुषा नागसाह्दयम् । पताकाभिर्विचित्राभिथर्थ्वजैश्न विविधैरपि
alaṃcakruś ca mālyaughaiḥ puruṣā nāgasāhvayam | patākābhir vicitrābhir atha dhvajaiś ca vividhair api ||
毗湿摩波耶那说:城中百姓以成堆花鬘、花串与诸般花饰,又以多种旌旗与绚丽各异的旗帜,装点那伽娑诃伐耶(哈斯提那补罗)。此景显出众人公开的敬礼与市民之责——以外在的庆典,礼赞王家大祭,并昭示战乱之后国土秩序的复归。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights civic participation in upholding dharma through respectful public conduct: the community expresses loyalty and reverence by beautifying the capital for a major royal-ritual occasion, signaling social harmony and restored legitimacy.
The citizens of Hastināpura (Nāgasāhvaya) decorate the city with garlands, floral festoons, banners, and colorful flags, preparing a festive, honorific setting connected with the events of the Aśvamedhika Parva.