Shloka 1
Karṇa-kuṇḍala-kavaca-jijñāsā; Kuntibhoja’s hospitality and Pṛthā’s appointment (कर्णकुण्डलकवचजिज्ञासा)
हि आय न (0) हि २ 7 पज्चाशीर्त्याधिकद्विशततमो< ध्याय: श्रीराम और रावणकी सेनाओंका दन्डयुद्ध मार्कण्डेय उवाच ततो निविशमानांस्तान् सैनिकान् रावणानुगा: । अभिजममुर्गणानेके पिशाचक्षुद्ररक्षसाम्,मार्कण्डेयजी कहते हैं--युधिष्ठिर! जब वानर-सैनिक शिविरमें प्रवेश करने लगे, उस समय रावणकी सेनामें रहनेवाले पर्वण, पतन, जम्भ, खर, क्रोधवश, हरि, प्ररुज, अरुज और प्रधस आदि पिशाच तथा अधम राक्षसोंके अनेक दलोंने आकर उनपर धावा बोल दिया
Mārkaṇḍeya uvāca: tato niviśamānāṁs tān sainikān Rāvaṇānugāḥ | abhyajagmur gaṇā aneke piśāca-kṣudra-rakṣasām ||
Disse Mārkaṇḍeya: Ó Yudhiṣṭhira, quando aquelas tropas entravam e se acomodavam no acampamento, muitas bandos de Piśācas e de rākṣasas vis—seguidores de Rāvaṇa—avançaram e caíram sobre eles.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a common ethical and strategic lesson in epic warfare: forces aligned with adharma exploit vulnerable moments—such as entry, rest, or reorganization—to attack. It implicitly commends vigilance, discipline, and preparedness even during transitions.
As the troops are entering and settling into their camp, bands of Piśācas and minor Rākṣasas allied with Rāvaṇa suddenly rush in and attack them, initiating a chaotic assault at a moment of lowered guard.