Shloka 11
Nara-Nārāyaṇa Precedent and Bhīṣma’s Counsel on Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna; Karṇa’s Reply
तदा देवासुरे युद्धे भये जाते दिवौकसाम् | अयाचत महात्मानौ नरनारायणौ वरम्
tadā devāsure yuddhe bhaye jāte divaukasām | ayācata mahātmānau naranārāyaṇau varam |
Vaiśampāyana sprach: „Als der Krieg zwischen Göttern und Asuras ausbrach und Furcht die Bewohner des Himmels ergriff, traten sie an die beiden großherzigen Weisen, Nara und Nārāyaṇa, heran und baten um eine Gabe.“
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
In crisis, power alone is insufficient: even the gods turn toward those established in tapas and dharma. The verse highlights the ethical hierarchy where spiritual authority and righteousness become the true refuge amid violence and fear.
A deva–asura battle has broken out, and the gods are frightened. They approach the twin sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa and request a boon—setting up their intervention or assistance in the conflict.