Shloka 17
महोदर-वाक्यं कुम्भकर्ण-प्रतिषेधः
Mahodara’s Counsel and the Critique of Kumbhakarna’s Solo Assault
हीनार्थस्तुसमृद्धार्थंकोरिपुंप्राकृतंयथा ।निश्चित्यजीवितत्यागेवशमानेतुमिच्छति ।।।।
hīnārthas tu samṛddhārthaṃ ko ripuṃ prākṛtaṃ yathā |
niścitya jīvitatyāge vaśam ānetum icchati ||
Wer, an Mitteln gering, wollte—wie ein gewöhnlicher Tor—sich einem an Kräften reichen Feind unterwerfen, nachdem er den Verzicht auf das eigene Leben beschlossen hat?
"How can a weak person desire to go to the enemy who is rich in resources, determined to sacrifice his life several times and submit himself?"
FAQs
Dharma rejects self-harm and futile sacrifice when it serves no righteous end. Courage must be guided by proportionality and purpose, not by a nihilistic readiness to die.
Mahodara frames Kumbhakarṇa’s solo advance as irrational submission to a stronger opponent, warning against a needless death.
Practical judgment (nīti) over empty valor—measuring strength, resources, and consequences.