Shloka 3
Kubera-prasāda-vihāra and Counsel on Ajñātavāsa (कुबेरप्रसादविहारः तथा अज्ञातवासोपदेशः)
ततो निवातकवचा वध्यमाना मया युधि । संहृत्य मायां सहसा प्राविशन् पुरमात्मन:,जब मैं इस प्रकार युद्धक्षेत्रमें उनका संहार करने लगा, तब वे निवातकवच दानव अपनी मायाको समेटकर सहसा नगरमें घुस गये
tato nivātakavacā vadhyamānā mayā yudhi | saṁhṛtya māyāṁ sahasā prāviśan puram ātmanaḥ ||
Então, enquanto eu abatia no campo de batalha os demônios Nivātakavaca, eles recolheram de súbito a sua feitiçaria e, de uma vez, precipitaram-se para dentro da própria cidade—buscando refúgio por trás de suas defesas quando o combate direto lhes foi desfavorável.
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a moral-psychological contrast: when confronted by steadfast valor and righteous force in open battle, adversaries who rely on deception (māyā) may abandon it and seek safety in fortifications. It underscores that courage and clarity can neutralize trickery, while also acknowledging that retreat is a tactical choice when direct engagement fails.
Arjuna reports that as he began to slay the Nivātakavaca demons in the fight, they suddenly pulled back their magical illusions and hurried into their own city, withdrawing from the open battlefield to the protection of their stronghold.