Shloka 11
Karṇa’s Counsel on Śrī
Fortune) and the Proposed Display before the Exiled Pāṇḍavas (कर्णवचनम् / श्रीप्रदर्शन-प्रस्तावः
दृष्टीविषै: सप्तशीर्षैगुप्तं भोगिभिरद्धुतै: । रक्षोभिश्व पिशाचैश्व रौद्रैर्भूतगणैस्तथा
dṛṣṭiviṣaiḥ saptaśīrṣair guptaṃ bhogibhir adbhutaiḥ | rakṣobhiś ca piśācaiś ca raudrair bhūtaganais tathā ||
قال ماركانديّا: «كان يحرسه ثعابين عجيبة ذات سبعة أغطية، حتى إن نظرتها نفسها سمٌّ قاتل؛ كما كانت تحميه رَكْشَسَاتٌ وبيشاتشا شرسون، ومعهم جموعٌ مروّعة من الأرواح.»
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how formidable obstacles—fearsome guardians and terrifying forces—can surround a goal or sacred place, implying that true resolve and righteous purpose (dharma) must be steady even when confronted by dread and danger.
Mārkaṇḍeya describes a location or object as heavily guarded: seven-hooded, venom-gazed serpents stand watch, along with rākṣasas, piśācas, and fierce hosts of spirits, emphasizing the peril of approaching it.