Shloka 3
Duryodhana’s Departure toward Dvaītavana; Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Caution and Śakuni’s Assurance
संदिग्धं॑ विजयं दृष्टवा विजयेप्सु: सुरेश्वर: । आरुह्ैरावतस्कन्ध॑ प्रययौ दैवतै: सह
sandigdhaṁ vijayaṁ dṛṣṭvā vijayepsuḥ sureśvaraḥ | āruhya airāvataskandhaṁ prayayau daivataiḥ saha ||
Mārkaṇḍeya said: Seeing that victory was uncertain, the Lord of the gods—eager to secure triumph—mounted the back of Airāvata and set out, accompanied by the divine hosts. The verse underscores a moral realism in epic narrative: even the mighty do not presume success without effort and timely action, and leadership is shown through decisive response in moments of doubt.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that uncertainty demands decisive action: even powerful leaders do not rely on status alone but respond promptly, mobilizing support and taking initiative to secure a righteous or necessary outcome.
Mārkaṇḍeya narrates that Indra, perceiving the outcome to be doubtful, mounts his elephant Airāvata and departs with the assembled gods—signaling a divine mobilization toward an impending conflict or critical event.