Shloka 15
कर्णनिधनश्रवणम् — Hearing of Karṇa’s Fall and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Lament
किरातानामधिपति: सागरानूपवासिनाम् | देवराजस्य धर्मात्मा प्रियो बहुमत: सखा
kirātānām adhipatiḥ sāgarānūpavāsinām | devarājasya dharmātmā priyo bahumataḥ sakhā
Sañjaya sprach: „Er war der Herr der Kirātas, die an Meeresküsten und in Sumpflanden wohnen – ein Mann von rechtschaffener Seele, Indra, dem König der Götter, teuer, und ein vertrauter, hochgeachteter Freund.“
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames political and martial authority within an ethical lens: true stature is not only rulership (adhipati) but also being dharmātmā—valued for righteousness and trusted friendship, even in a war context.
Sañjaya is describing a notable leader: the chief of the Kirātas living in coastal and marsh regions, characterized as righteous and as a dear, respected friend of Devarāja (Indra), indicating his prestige and alliances.