Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 83
Varuṇābhiṣeka–Agni-anveṣaṇa–Kaubera-tīrtha
Varuṇa’s Consecration; Search for Agni; Kaubera Sacred Site
तमभ्ययान्महासेन: सुरशत्रुमुदारधी: । स कार्तिकेयस्य भयात् क्रौज्चं शरणमीयिवान्
tam abhyayān mahāsenaḥ suraśatrum udāradhīḥ | sa kārtikeyasya bhayāt krauñcaṃ śaraṇam īyivān |
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then Mahāsena—of noble understanding—advanced against the foe of the gods. But, struck with fear of Kārtikeya, that enemy sought refuge in Krauñca (the mountain), choosing concealment over open confrontation.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that unrighteous or hostile power often collapses into fear when confronted by a force aligned with divine order; seeking refuge becomes a sign of moral and psychological defeat, not merely a tactical retreat.
Mahāsena (Kārtikeya) advances against the ‘enemy of the gods.’ Terrified of Kārtikeya, the foe abandons direct resistance and takes shelter in Krauncha mountain.