Shloka 3.23.20

महोत्पात-लक्षणानि (Omens before Khara’s Assault)

Devanagari script

तारा अपि शरैस्तीक्ष्णैः पातयामि नभस्स्थलात्।।।।मृत्युं मरणधर्मेण सङ्क्रुद्धो योजयाम्यहम्।

Transliteration

tārā api śarais tīkṣṇaiḥ pātayāmi nabhassthalāt | mṛtyuṃ maraṇadharmēṇa saṅkruddhō yōjayāmy aham ||

Translation

With my sharp arrows I could bring down even the stars from the sky; and if enraged, I could subject even Death himself to the law of mortality.

Context

With my sharp arrows I can even bring down the stars from the sky. If angered, I can cause mortality to the god of death.

Characters & Entities

• Khara
• Tārāḥ (stars)
• Mṛtyu (Death, personified)

FAQs

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

Dharma critiques overreach and blasphemous pride: claiming power over cosmic order (stars, Death) signals adharma and invites correction.

What is the narrative situation?

Khara boasts of impossible feats to embolden his troops despite the ominous signs.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Temperance and truthful speech are absent; the verse highlights the vice of boastful arrogance.