Shloka 6.51.31
धूम्राक्षप्रेषणम् (The Dispatch of Dhūmrākṣa)
रथशीर्षेमहान्भीमोगृध्रश्चनिपपातह ।।6.51.31।।ध्वजाग्रेग्रथिताश्चैवनिपेतुःकुणपाशनाः ।
rathaśīrṣe mahān bhīmo gṛdhraś ca nipapāta ha ॥6.51.31॥
dhvajāgre grathitāś caiva nipetuḥ kuṇapāśanāḥ ।
A huge and terrifying vulture swooped down onto the very head of the chariot; and foul carrion-eaters, entangled upon the tip of the banner, fell down—an ominous sign for the rākṣasas.
A foul smelling frightening vulture (that feeds on the dead body) descended on top of the chariot and fell down.
The verse highlights the moral logic of consequences: unrighteous aggression is shadowed by inauspicious signs, reminding that adharma tends toward self-destruction.
As Dhumrākṣa’s forces are moving toward combat, ominous portents appear on the chariot and banner—signaling impending defeat.
Discernment (viveka): the ability to read warnings and reconsider harmful action, even amid pride and war-fever.