Shloka 3.23.6

महोत्पात-लक्षणानि (Omens before Khara’s Assault)

Devanagari script

व्याजह्रुश्च प्रदीप्तायां दिशि वै भैरवस्वनम्।अशिवं यातुधानानां शिवा घोरा महास्वनाः।।।।

Transliteration

prabhinna-giri-saṅkāśās toya-śoṇita-dhāriṇaḥ | ākāśaṃ tad anākāśaṃ cakrur bhīmā valāhakāḥ ||

Translation

Terrifying clouds, like shattered mountains, poured down water that seemed like blood, making the sky appear no longer sky—strange and dreadful.

Context

The dreadful jackals making ghastly howls turning towards the illuminated direction and produced frightening sounds indicating inauspicious time for the demons.

Characters & Entities

• clouds (valāhaka)
• sky (ākāśa)

FAQs

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

When adharma rises, the world appears disordered. The verse uses cosmic imagery to show that unrighteous violence disturbs harmony.

What is the narrative situation?

Portents intensify: the sky turns uncanny as clouds pour blood-like rain, foreshadowing battle and death.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness under fear—holding to dharma even when the world seems ominously overturned.