Shloka 26
Udyoga Parva 142: Vidura’s warning to Kuntī and Kuntī’s resolve to meet Karṇa
Gaṅgātīra encounter begins
कृष्णग्रीवाश्व॒ शकुना रक्तपादा भयानका: । संध्यामभिमुखा यान्ति तत् पराभवलक्षणम्,'संध्याकालमें काली ग्रीवा और लाल पैरवाले भयानक पक्षी सामने आ जाते हैं, वह भी पराजयका ही चिह्न है
sañjaya uvāca | kṛṣṇagrīvāśva-śakunā raktapādā bhayānakāḥ | sandhyām abhimukhā yānti tat parābhava-lakṣaṇam ||
Sañjaya said: “Terrifying birds with black necks and red feet are seen moving straight toward the twilight hour. Such an omen is a mark of impending defeat.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the traditional epic worldview in which moral and political crises are mirrored by ominous natural signs; such portents warn leaders to reflect, restrain aggression, and avert ruin through wise counsel and dharmic conduct.
Sañjaya reports inauspicious portents: fearsome birds with black necks and red feet appear and move toward twilight, which he interprets as a clear sign that defeat is approaching for one side in the coming conflict.