Shloka 12
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 209: Śaraṇāgati of the Cursed Apsarases; Nārītīrtha-prasiddhi; Arjuna’s Vimocana
एवं सर्वान् समादिश्य पूर्वतीरे महोदथे: । क्रूरां मतिं समास्थाय जग्मतु: सर्वतोमुखौ,समुद्रके पूर्वतटपर अपने समस्त सैनिकोंको ऐसा आदेश देकर मनमें क्रूर संकल्प लिये वे दोनों भाई सब ओर आक्रमण करने लगे
evaṁ sarvān samādiśya pūrvatīre mahodadheḥ | krūrāṁ matiṁ samāsthāya jagmatuḥ sarvatomukhau ||
Thus, after issuing instructions to all their forces on the eastern shore of the great ocean, the two brothers—having embraced a ruthless resolve—set out to press their assault in every direction. The verse underscores how deliberate command and inner intention (mati) shape the moral color of action: strategy becomes ethically charged when driven by cruelty.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that actions are ethically defined not only by outward deeds (issuing orders, advancing) but by the inner resolve (mati). When leadership is guided by cruelty (krūrā mati), even organized strategy becomes morally compromised.
Nārada describes two brothers who, after directing their troops on the eastern shore of the great ocean, adopt a ruthless intention and move to attack on all sides, indicating a coordinated, multi-directional offensive.