Shloka 19
अलर्कोपाख्यानम् — Indriya-Nigraha and Yogic Victory
Mahābhārata 14.30
श्रोत्रभुवाच नेमे बाणास्तरिष्यन्ति मामलर्क कथंचन । तवैव मर्म भेत्स्यन्ति ततो हास्यसि जीवितम्
śrotrabhūvāca neme bāṇāstariṣyanti mām alarka kathaṃcana | tavaiva marma bhetsyanti tato hāsyasi jīvitam ||
Śrotrabhū declares: “Alarka, these arrows will not pass beyond me in any way. They will strike only your vital points; then you will be deprived of life.” The utterance frames combat not as mere display of prowess but as a grim assertion of consequence—where intent, precision, and responsibility for lethal action are openly owned.
अलर्क उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores accountability in conflict: a warrior’s intent is not abstract—actions aimed at another’s vulnerable points carry irreversible consequences. It highlights the ethical gravity of choosing lethal force.
Śrotrabhū addresses Alarka directly, asserting that Alarka’s arrows will not get past him; instead, Śrotrabhū will strike Alarka’s vital points, resulting in Alarka’s death. It is a moment of direct martial challenge and intimidation.