Shloka 18
Kuntī–Sūrya-saṃvāda: Autonomy, Reputation, and the Promise of Karṇa
तयो: समभवद् युद्ध तदान्योन्यं जिगीषतो: । अतीव चित्रमाश्चर्य शक्रप्रह्लादयोरिव,वे दोनों ही एक-दूसरेको जीतनेके लिये उत्सुक थे। उस समय उनमें इन्द्र और प्रह्नादकी भाँति अत्यन्त अद्भुत तथा आश्चर्यजनक युद्ध होने लगा
tayoḥ samabhavad yuddhaṃ tadānyonyaṃ jigīṣatoḥ | atīva citram āścaryaṃ śakra-prahlādayor iva ||
マールカンデーヤは語った。「そのとき両者のあいだに戦いが起こり、互いに相手を征服せんと競い合った。戦闘はこの上なく奇瑞にして驚嘆すべきものとなり、まさに釈迦（インドラ）とプラフラーダの名高い激突のごとく—覇を争う相克の力が孕む道義の緊張を映し出していた。」
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the drive to dominate (jigīṣā) can escalate into extraordinary conflict; by invoking Indra and Prahlāda, it frames the struggle as a mythic-scale contest of powers, inviting reflection on ambition, restraint, and the dharmic consequences of rivalry.
Mārkaṇḍeya describes two opponents entering a mutual contest, each intent on victory, and says their fight becomes astonishing—comparable to the legendary combat between Indra (Śakra) and Prahlāda.