Shloka 11
Adhiratha-Rādhā Discover the Casket; Vasuṣeṇa (Karṇa) is Adopted and Formed
मामासाद्य पतिं भद्दे न त्वं राक्षसवेश्मनि । जरां व्रजेथा इति मे निहतो5सौ निशाचर:,“भद्रे! मुझ-जैसे पतिको पाकर तुम्हें वृद्धावस्थातक किसी राक्षसके घरमें न रहना पड़े, यही सोचकर मैंने उस निशाचरका वध किया है
mām āsādya patiṁ bhadre na tvaṁ rākṣasaveśmani | jarāṁ vrajethā iti me nihato 'sau niśācaraḥ ||
ಮಾರ್ಕಂಡೇಯನು ಹೇಳಿದನು—“ಭದ್ರೇ! ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಪತಿಯಾಗಿ ಪಡೆದ ನೀನು ರಾಕ್ಷಸನ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ವೃದ್ಧಾಪ್ಯವರೆಗೆ ಉಳಿಯಬಾರದೆಂದು—ಆ ಯೋಚನೆಯಿಂದಲೇ ನಾನು ಆ ನಿಶಾಚರನನ್ನು ಸಂಹರಿಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ.”
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames protection of the vulnerable—especially within marriage—as a dharmic obligation, even if it requires force against a predatory aggressor. The ethical emphasis is on preventing prolonged suffering and safeguarding dignity.
Markandeya explains his motive for killing a night-roaming rākṣasa: he did so to ensure that the addressed woman would not be compelled to live in a demon’s household into old age after finding a worthy husband.