Shloka 23
Karṇa’s Counsel on Śrī
Fortune) and the Proposed Display before the Exiled Pāṇḍavas (कर्णवचनम् / श्रीप्रदर्शन-प्रस्तावः
उत्पेततुर्महानागौ चित्रश्नैरावतश्न ह । तावापतन्तौ सम्प्रेक्ष्य स बालोडर्कसमद्युति:
utpetatur mahānāgau citraś ca airāvataś ca ha | tāv āpatantau samprekṣya sa bālo 'rka-samadyutiḥ ||
চিত্র ও ঐরাবত—এই দুই মহাগজ সেখানে ছুটে এল। তাদের ধেয়ে আসতে দেখে সেই বালক (স্কন্দ) সূর্যের ন্যায় দীপ্তিমান ছিলেন।
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights divine strength disciplined by purpose: overwhelming power is shown as controlled ‘play’ that establishes awe and order rather than needless harm, reminding listeners that true might supports cosmic stability (dharma) and protection.
After a roar that stuns beings across the three worlds, the great elephants Citra and Airāvata rush in. The radiant boy Skanda sees them, seizes them, takes up his spear and a mighty rooster, roars fiercely, and sports with them—displaying his superhuman mastery.