Mahabharata 4.33.2 — Virata Parva, Adhyaya 33, Shloka 2
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 33 — Kuru Cattle-Raid and Matsya Mobilization (भूमिंजय-प्रेरणा)
ततो<न्थकारं प्रणुदन्नुदतिष्ठत चन्द्रमा: । कुर्वाणो विमलां रात्रि ननन््दयन् क्षत्रियान् युधि
tato 'ndhakāraṁ praṇudann udatīṣṭhata candramāḥ | kurvāṇo vimalāṁ rātriṁ nanandayann kṣatriyān yudhi ||
Then, dispelling the darkness, the moon rose. Making the night clear and spotless, he brought cheer to the kṣatriyas engaged in battle—casting a calm, bright light over the field even amid the violence of war.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how external conditions—here, moonlight dispelling darkness—can strengthen morale in righteous struggle. In the Mahābhārata’s war ethos, clarity (vimalā rātriḥ) symbolically supports steadiness and courage in the performance of kṣatriya-duty amid conflict.
As the battle continues at night, the moon rises and drives away the darkness. Its bright light makes the night clear and heartens the warriors fighting on the field.
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