Shloka 57
Kuvalāśva’s Lineage and Uttaṅka’s Petition concerning Dhundhu (धुन्धु-प्रसङ्गः)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच एवमुक्ते वामदेवेन राजन् समुन्तस्थू राक्षसा घोररूपा: । तैः शूलहस्तैर्वध्यमान: स राजा प्रोवाचेदं वाक्यमुच्चैस्तदानीम्,मार्कण्डेयजी कहते हैं--राजन्! वामदेवकी यह बात पूर्ण होते ही विकराल रूपधारी चार राक्षस वहाँ प्रकट हो गये। उनके हाथमें त्रिशूल थे। जब वे राजापर चोट करने लगे, तब राजाने उच्च स्वरसे यह बात कही--
Mārkaṇḍeya uvāca: evam ukte Vāmadevena rājan samutthasthu rākṣasā ghorarūpāḥ | taiḥ śūlahastair vadhyamānaḥ sa rājā provācedaṃ vākyam uccais tadānīm ||
Mārkaṇḍeya said: “O King, as soon as Vāmadeva had spoken thus, four fearsome, hideous Rākṣasas suddenly rose up there. With tridents in their hands they began to strike at that king; and as he was being assailed, the king at that very moment cried out loudly these words.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how swiftly danger can manifest once a decisive word or condition is fulfilled, testing a ruler’s composure and dharmic resolve. It frames crisis as a moment that reveals character—how one responds when threatened becomes ethically significant.
After Vāmadeva finishes speaking, four terrifying Rākṣasas appear, armed with tridents, and begin attacking the king. Under assault, the king raises his voice and begins to speak—setting up the next verse(s) where his response is given.