Shloka 11
Kāmyake Arjuna-viyogaḥ — The Pandavas’ despondency in Kāmyaka during Arjuna’s absence
इतिहासमिमं चापि कलिनाशनमच्युत । शक्यमाश्चसितु श्रुत्वा त्वद्विधेन विशाम्पते,महाराज! तुम्हारे-जैसे लोगोंको यह कलिनाशक इतिहास सुनकर आश्वासन प्राप्त हो सकता है
itihāsam imaṃ cāpi kalināśanam acyuta | śakyam āśvasituṃ śrutvā tvadvidhena viśāmpate ||
Bṛhadaśva said: “O Acyuta, this too is an ancient tale that breaks the power of Kali. Hearing it, a man like you—lord among the people—can indeed gain reassurance and steadiness of heart.”
बृहदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
Uplifting sacred narrative has ethical power: it counters despair and the influence of Kali (strife, decline), restoring courage and clarity in a righteous person—especially a king responsible for dharma.
Bṛhadaśva introduces a traditional story described as ‘Kali-destroying’ and tells the addressed king (viśāmpati) that hearing it will bring reassurance—setting up the forthcoming instructive episode.