Shloka 12
Adhyāya 86: Irāvān’s Lineage, Cavalry Clash, and the Māyā-Duel Ending in Irāvān’s Fall
आव्न्त्यौ तु महेष्वासौ महासेनौ महाबलौ | इरावन्तमभिप्रेक्ष्य समेयातां रणोत्कटौ,अवन्तीके महाबली महाधनुर्धर और विशाल सेनासे युक्त राजकुमार विन्द और अनुविन्द, जो युद्धमें उनन््मत्त होकर लड़नेवाले हैं, अर्जुनपुत्र इरावानूकों सामने देखकर उसीसे भिड़ गये
āvantyau tu maheṣvāsau mahāsenau mahābalau | irāvantam abhiprekṣya sameyātāṃ raṇotkaṭau ||
Sañjaya said: “The two princes of Avanti—Vindā and Anuvindā—both mighty archers, commanding great forces and possessed of great strength, fierce in the ardor of battle, set upon Irāvān as soon as they beheld him, closing with him in combat.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya-war ethos: renowned warriors actively seek worthy opponents, and battlefield choices are driven by valor and strategic targeting. Ethically, it reflects how dharma in war can emphasize courage and direct engagement, even as it intensifies violence.
Vindā and Anuvindā, the powerful princes of Avanti, notice Irāvān on the battlefield and immediately advance to fight him, engaging him directly.