Shloka 55
Ulūka’s Provocation and Keśava’s Counter-Message (उलूकदूत्ये केशवप्रत्युत्तरम्)
इन्द्रजालं च माया वै कुहका वापि भीषणा । आत्तशस्त्रस्य संग्रामे वहन्ति प्रतिगर्जना:
indrajālaṃ ca māyā vai kuhakā vāpi bhīṣaṇā | āttaśastrasya saṅgrāme vahanti pratigarjanāḥ ||
Entah itu jaring ilusi Indra, sihir belaka, ataupun upacara tipu-daya yang mengerikan—semua itu takkan membuat gentar seorang kesatria yang telah mengangkat senjata di medan laga; justru hanya mengobarkan amarahnya dan menguatkan aumannya bak singa.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Illusion and fear-inducing tricks lose their power over one who is resolute in righteous combat; inner steadiness turns external intimidation into fuel for greater courage and determination.
Sañjaya describes how magical displays, deceptive arts, or frightening rites do not frighten an armed warrior in the thick of battle; instead, they heighten his aggressive resolve and battle-cry.