Shloka 3.23.7

महोत्पात-लक्षणानि (Omens before Khara’s Assault)

Devanagari script

प्रभिन्नगिरिसङ्काशास्तोयशोणितधारिणः।आकाशं तदनाकाशं चक्रुर्भीमा वलाहकाः।।।।

Transliteration

babhūva timiraṃ ghoraṃ uddhataṃ romaharṣaṇam | diśo vā vidiśo vāpi na ca vyaktaṃ cakāśire ||

Translation

A dreadful darkness arose, fierce and hair-raising; neither the main quarters nor the intermediate directions shone forth clearly.

Context

The clouds looked like shattered mountains pouring down blood-like rain which filled the sky and made it appear frighteningly different.

Characters & Entities

• directions (diś, vidiś)
• darkness (timira)

FAQs

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

Dharma is clarity and right orientation; adharma is confusion and loss of direction. The verse dramatizes moral disorientation through physical darkness.

What is the narrative situation?

The atmosphere becomes unnaturally dark, and even directions cannot be distinguished—signaling imminent danger.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Inner clarity—maintaining discernment and purpose when external conditions are frightening and unclear.