Shloka 15
Nārada’s Account of the Kaliṅga Svayaṃvara: Duryodhana’s Seizure and Karṇa’s Escort
ततो विमर्द: सुमहान् राज्ञामासीद् युयुत्सताम् । संनहातां तनुत्राणि रथान् योजयतामपि
tato vimardaḥ sumahān rājñām āsīd yuyutsatām | saṃnahātāṃ tanutrāṇi rathān yojayatām api ||
Then a very great clash arose among the kings who were eager to fight. Even as some were fastening their armor and others were yoking their chariots, the conflict flared up—showing how the momentum of war can overtake deliberation and restraint once rulers are seized by the desire for battle.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how quickly violence can erupt once rulers become intent on war: preparations themselves (arming and harnessing) can tip into immediate conflict, implying the ethical need for restraint and wise counsel before martial momentum becomes uncontrollable.
Nārada describes a moment when battle-minded kings begin readying themselves—some don armor, others yoke chariots—and in that very interval a massive melee breaks out among them.