Shloka 39
राजपूजाविधानम् / Royal Reception Protocols during Āśvamedha Preparations
नारदश्न बभूवात्र तुम्बुरुश्न महाद्युति: । विश्वावसश्रित्रसेनस्तथान्ये गीतकोविदा:
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
nāradaś ca babhūvātra tumburuś ca mahādyutiḥ |
viśvāvasuś citrasenaḥ tathānye gītakovidāḥ ||
毗湿摩波耶那说道：此处亦有那罗陀与光辉灿然的图姆布鲁，并有毗湿婆婆苏、奇特罗塞那及其他精于歌咏的乾闼婆。每逢祭祀仪轨之间稍得间隙，他们便以歌舞之艺屡屡取悦在座的婆罗门众——昭示神圣之业亦可与精雅而自持的欢悦相伴，此欢悦扶持仪式共同体，而不损其庄严。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that sacred rites can be supported by cultured arts when they are aligned with dharma—music and dance here function as respectful, community-strengthening accompaniment to yajña, not as indulgent distraction.
During the Ashvamedha-related sacrificial proceedings, renowned celestial musicians—Nārada, Tumburu, Viśvāvasu, Citrasena, and other Gandharvas—are present and, during breaks in ritual activity, entertain the attending brāhmaṇas with song and dance.