Shloka 48
Sūrya’s Counsel to Karṇa on Indra’s Intended Request
Kuṇḍala–Kavaca Discourse
सो<स्मानतर्कयद् भोक्तुमथा भ्येत्य वचो5ब्रवीत् | भो: क एष मम भ्रातुर्जटायो: कुरुते कथाम्,“वह पक्षी हमें खा जानेकी युक्ति सोचने लगा। फिर हमारे पास आकर बोला--“अजी! कौन मेरे भाई जटायुकी बात कर रहा था। मैं उसका बड़ा भाई पक्षिराज सम्पाति हूँ। हम दोनों एक-दूसरेसे होड़ लगाकर आकाशमें सूर्यमण्डलतक पहुँचनेके लिये उड़े थे
so ’smān atarkayad bhoktum athābhyetya vaco ’bravīt | bhoḥ ka eṣa mama bhrātur jaṭāyoḥ kurute kathām ||
Markandeya said: “He began to devise a plan to eat us; then, coming near, he spoke: ‘Ho! Who is it that is speaking of my brother Jatāyu?’” (Thus the bird reveals both his hunger and his sudden restraint upon hearing a righteous name—suggesting that remembrance of the virtuous can check cruelty and awaken kinship and duty.)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when driven by appetite or harsh intent, the remembrance of a righteous person and the awakening of relationship (kinship, gratitude, duty) can restrain violence. Ethical conduct can arise from recognition of virtue and the bonds of dharma.
A bird, initially considering eating the speakers, approaches and interrupts upon hearing mention of Jatāyu, asking who is speaking of his brother. This sets up the identification of the bird and the ensuing backstory connected with Jatāyu.