Shloka 50
उद्योगपर्व (अध्याय १२९) — केशवस्य वैभवप्रदर्शनम् / Krishna’s Theophanic Display in the Kuru Assembly
एकार्णवे च स्वपता निहतौ मधुकैटभौ । जन्मान्तरमुपागम्य हयग्रीवस्तथा हत:
ekārṇave ca svapatā nihatāu madhukaiṭabhau | janmāntaram upāgamya hayagrīvas tathā hataḥ ||
Vidura says: “Even in the single cosmic ocean, while (the Lord) lay in yogic sleep, Madhu and Kaiṭabha were slain. And later, taking another birth, Hayagrīva too was likewise killed.” The point is that even mighty beings who rise through power or circumstance meet destruction when they oppose the divine order; strength without dharma does not secure lasting victory.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Vidura uses mythic examples to show that adharma and arrogance are ultimately self-defeating: even powerful adversaries are destroyed when they stand against the sustaining order (dharma).
Vidura cites two well-known demon figures—Madhu-Kaiṭabha and Hayagrīva—saying they were slain even under extraordinary circumstances, to warn that power and advantage do not protect those who act against righteousness.