Shloka 87
Duryodhana’s Śaraṇāgati and the Pāṇḍavas’ Resolve
Gandharva Encounter
ततः स महिष: क्रुद्धस्तूर्ण रुद्ररथं ययौ | अभिद्र॒ुत्य च जग्राह रुद्रस्य रथकूबरम्,तब क्रोधमें भरा हुआ महिषासुर तुरंत ही भगवान् रुद्रके रथकी ओर दौड़ा और पास जाकर उनके रथका कूबर- पकड़ लिया
tataḥ sa mahiṣaḥ kruddhas tūrṇaṁ rudrarathaṁ yayau | abhidhṛtya ca jagrāha rudrasya rathakūbaram ||
Then the buffalo-demon, inflamed with anger, rushed swiftly toward Rudra’s chariot. Charging up to it, he seized the chariot’s yoke/pole, openly challenging the divine power before him—an image of wrath-driven arrogance meeting steadfast divine might.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Uncontrolled anger and pride drive one to reckless confrontation with higher order (dharma and divine authority). The verse highlights how adharma manifests as impulsive aggression—grasping at power symbols—yet such bravado is ethically hollow and self-destructive.
Mārkaṇḍeya narrates that the enraged buffalo-demon rushes at Rudra’s chariot and physically grabs its rathakūbara (front pole/yoke), signaling a direct, hostile challenge and the escalation of battle.