Shloka 3.23.10

महोत्पात-लक्षणानि (Omens before Khara’s Assault)

Devanagari script

नित्याशुभकरा युद्धे शिवा घोरनिदर्शनाः।।।।नेदुर्बलस्याभिमुखं ज्वालोद्गारिभिराननैः।

Transliteration

nityāśubhakarā yuddhe śivā ghoranidarśanāḥ |

nedur balasyābhimukhaṃ jvālōdgāribhir ānanaiḥ || 3.23.10 ||

Translation

Jackals—ever in war the bringers of ill—appeared as dreadful omens; facing the host, they howled, their mouths as though they breathed forth flame.

Context

Bad omens that always bring inauspiciousness were a dreadful evidence of what is going to happen. Jackals howled, facing Khara's army with their mouths emitting fire.

Characters & Entities

• Khara’s army
• śivāḥ (jackals)

FAQs

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

Dharma involves heeding admonitions—internal (conscience) and external (signs)—before committing violence; ignoring warnings deepens culpability.

What is the narrative situation?

As the rākṣasa host advances, jackals howl directly toward them, intensifying the sequence of ominous signs.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-restraint (dama) and prudence: a righteous leader would pause and reconsider rather than charge ahead.