Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 83
Varuṇābhiṣeka–Agni-anveṣaṇa–Kaubera-tīrtha
Varuṇa’s Consecration; Search for Agni; Kaubera Sacred Site
तमभ्ययान्महासेन: सुरशत्रुमुदारधी: । स कार्तिकेयस्य भयात् क्रौज्चं शरणमीयिवान्
tam abhyayān mahāsenaḥ suraśatrum udāradhīḥ | sa kārtikeyasya bhayāt krauñcaṃ śaraṇam īyivān |
ಆಗ ಉದಾರಬುದ್ಧಿಯ ಮಹಾಸೇನನು ದೇವಶತ್ರುವಿನ ಮೇಲೆ ಮುನ್ನಡೆದನು. ಆದರೆ ಕಾರ್ತಿಕೇಯನ ಭಯದಿಂದ ಆ ಶತ್ರು ಕ್ರೌಂಚ ಪರ್ವತವನ್ನು ಶರಣಾದನು.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that unrighteous or hostile power often collapses into fear when confronted by a force aligned with divine order; seeking refuge becomes a sign of moral and psychological defeat, not merely a tactical retreat.
Mahāsena (Kārtikeya) advances against the ‘enemy of the gods.’ Terrified of Kārtikeya, the foe abandons direct resistance and takes shelter in Krauncha mountain.