Shloka 52
Sūrya’s Counsel to Karṇa on Indra’s Intended Request
Kuṇḍala–Kavaca Discourse
स सम्पातिस्तदा राजन श्रुत्वा सुमहदप्रियम्
sa sampātis tadā rājan śrutvā sumahad apriyam
O king, then Sampāti, on hearing that exceedingly grievous and unwelcome news, was struck by deep distress—an instance of how harsh tidings can test one’s steadiness and compassion in the unfolding of fate.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral and emotional weight of hearing grievous news: adversity often arrives first as painful information, and one’s dharmic response is measured by steadiness, empathy, and restraint rather than impulsive reaction.
Mārkaṇḍeya addresses the king and reports that Sampāti, at that moment, heard something extremely unpleasant and distressing, setting up Sampāti’s ensuing reaction and the next turn in the story.