Shloka 9
Karṇa-kuṇḍala-kavaca-jijñāsā; Kuntibhoja’s hospitality and Pṛthā’s appointment (कर्णकुण्डलकवचजिज्ञासा)
विरूपाक्षेण सुग्रीवस्तारेण च निखर्वट: । तुण्डेन च नलस्तत्र पटुश: पनसेन च,सुग्रीवने विरूपाक्षके साथ युद्ध किया। निखर्वट नामक राक्षस तार नामक वानरसे जा भिड़ा। नलने निशाचर तुण्डका सामना किया तथा पटुश नामक राक्षस पनस वानरके साथ युद्ध करने लगा
virūpākṣeṇa sugrīvas tāreṇa ca nikhārvaṭaḥ | tuṇḍena ca nalas tatra paṭuśaḥ panasena ca ||
Mārkaṇḍeya berkata: Di sana, Sugrīva bertempur dengan Virūpākṣa; rākṣasa bernama Nikhārvaṭa bertembung dengan vānara Tārā. Nala menghadapi Tuṇḍa si pengembara malam, dan rākṣasa Paṭuśa pula berperang dengan vānara Panasa.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness and loyalty in a time of conflict: each warrior accepts his role and confronts an opposing champion, illustrating disciplined commitment to one’s leader and cause even amid violence.
A battle is underway, and the text lists paired duels: Sugrīva vs. Virūpākṣa, Tārā vs. Nikhārvaṭa, Nala vs. Tuṇḍa, and Panasa vs. Paṭuśa—showing how the fight organizes into individual encounters.