Shloka 3.23.2

महोत्पात-लक्षणानि (Omens before Khara’s Assault)

Devanagari script

निपेतुस्तुरगास्तस्य रथयुक्ता महाजवाः।समे पुष्पचिते देशे राजमार्गे यदृच्छया।।।।

Transliteration

mahōtpātān imān sarvān utthitān ghōradarśanān | na cintayāmy ahaṃ vīryād balavān durbalān iva ||

Translation

I do not concern myself with all these portents, dreadful though they are to behold, for I rely on my own prowess—just as a strong man disregards the weak.

Context

The swift horses yoked to the chariot stumbled casually while galloping on the plane highway sprinkled with flowers.

Characters & Entities

• Khara
• Mahōtpāta (omens)

FAQs

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

Dharma warns against mada (pride): relying on brute strength while dismissing moral and cosmic order leads to downfall.

What is the narrative situation?

Khara rallies his forces by dismissing ominous signs as irrelevant to someone powerful like himself.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

True strength includes humility and foresight; Khara’s “strength” is shown as arrogance.