Shloka 3.23.34

महोत्पात-लक्षणानि (Omens before Khara’s Assault)

Devanagari script

महाकपालिस्स्थूलाक्षः प्रमाथी त्रिशिरास्तथा।चत्वार एते सेनान्यो दूषणं पृष्ठतो ययुः।।।।

Transliteration

śyāmaṃ rudhira-paryantaṃ babhūva pariveṣaṇam |

alāta-cakra-pratimaṃ parigṛhya divākaram ||

Translation

Then a dark halo with blood-red edges appeared, encircling the Sun; it looked like the ring traced by a whirling firebrand, as though it had seized the solar orb.

Context

Similarly Dusana proceeded with four - Mahakapali, Sthulaksha, Pramathi and Trisira - around him.

Characters & Entities

• दिवाकर (Sun)

FAQs

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

Dharma is suggested through cosmic signaling: nature reflects moral imbalance, warning that adharma-driven violence draws inevitable correction.

What is the narrative situation?

Before the confrontation, ominous portents appear in the sky—an eerie halo around the Sun—foreshadowing calamity for the unrighteous.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Attentiveness to signs and moral causality: the epic tradition treats omens as reminders to align actions with dharma.