Shloka 23
त॑ प्रस्थितं महात्मानं समवेक्ष्य दिवौकस:,कृष्णमशभ्युद्यतास्त्रं च नादं मुमुचुरुल्बणम् | उन्होंने उस जलते हुए वनको और मारनेके लिये अस्त्र उठाये हुए श्रीकृष्ण तथा अर्जुनको देखा। उत्पात और आर्तनादके शब्दसे उस वनमें खड़े हुए वे सभी प्राणी संत्रस्त- से हो उठे थे। उस वनको अनेक प्रकारसे दग्ध होते देख और अस्त्र उठाये हुए श्रीकृष्णपर दृष्टि डाल भयानक आर्तनाद करने लगे
taṁ prasthitaṁ mahātmānaṁ samavekṣya divaukasaḥ | kṛṣṇam abhyudyatāstraṁ ca nādaṁ mumucur ulbaṇam ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Seeing that great-souled one setting forth, the celestial beings looked on; and beholding Kṛṣṇa with his weapon raised, they let out a fierce, tumultuous cry.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral tension when immense power is readied for violent action: even when undertaken for a purpose framed as necessary, it sends shockwaves through the cosmic order. It invites reflection on dharma—how protection, duty, and destruction can converge, and why such moments are treated as ominous rather than triumphant.
As the great figure advances, celestial beings watch; seeing Kṛṣṇa with his weapon raised, they emit a fierce cry. The narration underscores the intensity of the moment—an impending strike amid a catastrophic setting—by showing a dramatic reaction from the devas.