Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 79
Varuṇābhiṣeka–Agni-anveṣaṇa–Kaubera-tīrtha
Varuṇa’s Consecration; Search for Agni; Kaubera Sacred Site
दग्धा: सहस्रशो दैत्या नादै: स्कन्दस्य चापरे | पताकयावधूताश्न हता: केचित् सुरद्विष:
Vaiśampāyana uvāca | dagdhāḥ sahasraśo daityā nādaiḥ skandasya cāpare | patākayā vadhūtāś ca hatāḥ kecit suradviṣaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Thousands of Dāityas were burned to ashes by the fire of the Śakti-weapon. Others perished merely from fear at Skanda’s lion-like battle-cries, and some enemies of the gods died trembling as his banner swept and shook them—so overwhelming was his martial presence that terror itself became a weapon.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how adharma-driven hostility toward the divine order (suradviṣaḥ) collapses before righteous, divinely sanctioned force: not only weapons but also presence, sound, and symbols (like the banner) can become instruments of moral and cosmic retribution.
Vaiśampāyana describes Skanda’s overwhelming impact in battle: thousands of Dāityas are burned, some die from fear induced by his lion-like roars, and others are slain as his banner’s sweeping motion shakes and routs them.