Shloka 17
महोत्पात-लक्षणानि
Omens before Khara’s Assault
सास्रा सम्पद्यते दृष्टिः पश्यमानस्य सर्वतः।।।।ललाटे च रुजा जाता न च मोहान्यवर्तत।
sāsrā sampadyatē dṛṣṭiḥ paśyamānasya sarvataḥ | lalāṭē ca rujā jātā na ca mōhān nyavartata ||
Tandis qu’il regardait de tous côtés, sa vue se remplit de larmes et une douleur naquit à son front ; pourtant, sous l’emprise de l’illusion, il ne fit pas demi-tour.
Looking at these dreadful, horripilating occurrences Khara laughed and said to the demons:
FAQs
Dharma requires clarity and restraint; moha (delusion) clouds discernment and prevents timely withdrawal from unrighteous action.
After ominous signs, Khara experiences bodily and emotional disturbance but still refuses to retreat.
Self-control and discernment are highlighted by contrast—Khara lacks the virtue of stepping back when warned.