Shloka 12
Adhyāya 86: Irāvān’s Lineage, Cavalry Clash, and the Māyā-Duel Ending in Irāvān’s Fall
आव्न्त्यौ तु महेष्वासौ महासेनौ महाबलौ | इरावन्तमभिप्रेक्ष्य समेयातां रणोत्कटौ
āvantyau tu maheṣvāsau mahāsenau mahābalau | irāvantam abhiprekṣya sameyātāṃ raṇotkaṭau ||
قال سنجيا: «إن أميري أَوَنْتِي—فِندَا وأَنُوفِندَا—وكلاهما من عظام الرماة، يقودان جموعًا عظيمة ويتمتعان بقوة هائلة، شديدان في حُمّى القتال؛ فلما أبصرا إيرافان أقبلا عليه من ساعته واشتدّا معه في المبارزة.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya-war ethos: renowned warriors actively seek worthy opponents, and battlefield choices are driven by valor and strategic targeting. Ethically, it reflects how dharma in war can emphasize courage and direct engagement, even as it intensifies violence.
Vindā and Anuvindā, the powerful princes of Avanti, notice Irāvān on the battlefield and immediately advance to fight him, engaging him directly.