Shloka 6
मैत्रेयागमनम् — The Arrival of Maitreya and the Admonition to Duryodhana
तेषां प्रविशतां तत्र मार्गमावृत्य भारत । दीप्ताक्ष॑ भीषण रक्ष: सोल्मुकं प्रत्यपद्यत,भारत! उस वनमें प्रवेश करते ही वह राक्षस उनका मार्ग रोककर खड़ा हो गया। उसकी आँखें चमक रही थीं। वह भयानक राक्षस मशाल लिये आया था
teṣāṃ praviśatāṃ tatra mārgam āvṛtya bhārata | dīptākṣo bhīṣaṇo rakṣaḥ solmukaṃ pratyapadyata ||
Tatkala mereka memasuki rimba itu, wahai Bhārata, seorang rākṣasa yang menggerunkan telah menutup jalan mereka. Matanya menyala-nyala, dan ia mara ke arah mereka sambil membawa obor—suatu alamat buruk bahawa bahaya dan ujian dharma bakal menimpa para pengembara.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames adversity as a sudden obstruction on one’s path: fearsome forces arise when one proceeds into uncertain terrain. Ethically, it hints that progress often invites tests of steadiness and discernment—how one responds to intimidation becomes part of one’s dharmic conduct.
As the group enters the forest, a terrifying rākṣasa steps in front of them and blocks the way. With blazing eyes and a torch in hand, he approaches, signaling an imminent confrontation or challenge.