Shloka 26
कुन्ती द्वारा ब्राह्मण-सेवा
Kuntī’s Regulated Hospitality to a Brāhmaṇa Guest
तस्य नान्यो निहन्तास्ति त्वामृते शत्रुकर्शन । स दंशितो$भिनिर्याय त्वमद्य बलिनां वर
tasya nānyo nihantāsti tvāmṛte śatrukarśana | sa daṃśito 'bhiniryāya tvam adya balināṃ vara ||
Mārkaṇḍeya said: “For him there is no other slayer except you, O crusher of foes. Now, having been stung, he is coming forth in fury—today you, best among the strong, must face him.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores decisive responsibility: when a crisis reaches its peak, the one uniquely capable must not evade duty. Strength is framed as an ethical obligation—power exists to restrain imminent harm.
Mārkaṇḍeya warns the addressed warrior that the adversary, provoked ‘as if stung,’ is rushing out to attack. He declares that no one else can kill or stop that foe, urging immediate readiness and resolve.