Shloka 18
Duryodhana’s Departure toward Dvaītavana; Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Caution and Śakuni’s Assurance
तस्याभयं ददौ स्कनन््द: सह सैन्यस्य सत्तम: । ततः प्रद्ृष्टास्त्रिदशा वादित्राण्यभ्यवादयन्,तब सत्पुरुषोंमें श्रेष्ठ कुमार स्कन्दने सेनासहित इन्द्रको अभयदान दिया। इससे प्रसन्न होकर सब देवता (हर्षसूचक) बाजे बजाने लगे
tasyābhayaṃ dadau skandaḥ saha sainyasya sattamaḥ | tataḥ pradṛṣṭās tridāśā vāditrāṇy abhyavādayan |
Mārkaṇḍeya said: Skanda, the foremost among the virtuous, granted him fearlessness, along with his army. Thereupon, the gods, delighted at what they witnessed, sounded their musical instruments in celebration—signaling approval of protection granted and the restoration of confidence amid conflict.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights abhaya-dāna—granting safety and freedom from fear—as a high dharmic act. Even in a martial setting, the ethical ideal is to protect and reassure rather than to intensify terror; divine celebration signifies approval of such restraint and guardianship.
Skanda, accompanied by his forces, assures Indra (and his side) of safety. Seeing this decisive and protective act, the gods rejoice and sound instruments, marking a turning point of relief and endorsement.