Shloka 173
Duryodhana’s Departure toward Dvaītavana; Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Caution and Śakuni’s Assurance
भयादिनन््द्रस्तु तं स्कन्दं प्राउजलि: शरणं गत: । वज्के प्रविष्ट होनेसे उसकी उत्पत्ति हुई थी, इसलिये वह विशाख नामसे प्रसिद्ध हुआ। प्रलयकालकी अग्निके समान अत्यन्त तेजस्वी उस द्वितीय वीरको प्रकट हुआ देख इन्द्र भयसे थर्रा उठे और हाथ जोड़कर उन स्कन्ददेवकी शरणमें आये
bhayād indrastu taṃ skandaṃ prāñjaliḥ śaraṇaṃ gataḥ |
Markandeya said: Struck with fear, Indra approached Skanda with folded hands and sought his protection. Seeing that second hero blaze forth with a radiance like the fire of cosmic dissolution, Indra trembled and, abandoning pride, took refuge in Skanda—an act that underscores the ethical primacy of humility and surrender before overwhelming divine power.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) and humility: even Indra, the king of gods, sets aside pride and approaches the divine hero Skanda with folded hands when confronted with overwhelming power, implying that true dharma includes reverence and surrender before a higher reality.
Mārkaṇḍeya narrates that Indra, terrified upon beholding Skanda’s blazing, world-ending-like radiance, trembles and approaches him respectfully with joined palms, seeking protection.