Shloka 11
Nara-Nārāyaṇa Precedent and Bhīṣma’s Counsel on Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna; Karṇa’s Reply
तदा देवासुरे युद्धे भये जाते दिवौकसाम् | अयाचत महात्मानौ नरनारायणौ वरम्
tadā devāsure yuddhe bhaye jāte divaukasām | ayācata mahātmānau naranārāyaṇau varam |
Vaiśampāyana disse: “Quando irrompeu a guerra entre os deuses e os asuras e o medo tomou os habitantes do céu, eles se aproximaram dos dois sábios de grande alma, Nara e Nārāyaṇa, e suplicaram uma dádiva.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
In crisis, power alone is insufficient: even the gods turn toward those established in tapas and dharma. The verse highlights the ethical hierarchy where spiritual authority and righteousness become the true refuge amid violence and fear.
A deva–asura battle has broken out, and the gods are frightened. They approach the twin sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa and request a boon—setting up their intervention or assistance in the conflict.