Shloka 3.23.1

महोत्पात-लक्षणानि (Omens before Khara’s Assault)

Devanagari script

तस्मिन्याते बले घोरमशिवं शोणितोदकम्।अभ्यवर्षन्महामेघस्तुमुलो गर्दभारुणः।।।।

Transliteration

tasmin yāte bale ghoraṃ aśivaṃ śoṇitodakam |

abhyavarṣan mahāmeghas tumulo gardabhāruṇaḥ || 3.23.1 ||

Translation

As that fearsome host marched, a huge cloud—dark as a donkey’s hue—burst forth and rained a dreadful, inauspicious shower, red like blood.

Context

As the army marched from there (Janasthana) a huge dark cloud of the colour of an ass rained dreadful inauspicious water, red as blood.

Characters & Entities

• Khara’s army
• omens (blood-red rain)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Adharma invites warning signs: the epic frames nature itself as signaling moral disorder when violence is pursued unjustly.

What is the narrative situation?

As Khara’s forces move out to attack, ominous natural phenomena appear—beginning with a terrifying, blood-red rain.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is विवेक (discernment): a dhārmic agent reads warnings and restrains harmful intent.