Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 73
Varuṇābhiṣeka–Agni-anveṣaṇa–Kaubera-tīrtha
Varuṇa’s Consecration; Search for Agni; Kaubera Sacred Site
ततः प्रीतो महासेनो जघान भगवान् प्रभु: । दैत्येन्द्रे तारकं नाम महाबलपराक्रमम्
tataḥ prīto mahāseno jaghāna bhagavān prabhuḥ | daityendre tārakaṃ nāma mahābalaparākramam ||
तेव्हा प्रसन्न झालेले भगवान् महासेन, सर्वसामर्थ्यवान प्रभू, महान् बल व पराक्रमाने युक्त दानवाधिपती—तारक नावाच्या दैत्येंद्राला—ठार मारू लागले।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents the restoration of moral and cosmic order: when destructive power (symbolized by the demon-chief) threatens stability, rightful authority—here embodied by Mahāsena—acts decisively. Strength is ethically framed as legitimate when used to remove adharma and protect the larger good.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Mahāsena (Skanda/Kārttikeya), pleased and empowered, strikes down the Daitya-lord named Tāraka, who is described as extraordinarily strong and valorous.