Shloka 31
धूम्राक्षप्रेषणम्
The Dispatch of Dhūmrākṣa
रथशीर्षेमहान्भीमोगृध्रश्चनिपपातह ।।6.51.31।।ध्वजाग्रेग्रथिताश्चैवनिपेतुःकुणपाशनाः ।
rathaśīrṣe mahān bhīmo gṛdhraś ca nipapāta ha ॥6.51.31॥
dhvajāgre grathitāś caiva nipetuḥ kuṇapāśanāḥ ।
Um abutre enorme e terrível desceu em mergulho sobre a própria dianteira do carro; e imundos comedores de carniça, enredados na ponta do estandarte, caíram—presságio funesto para os rākṣasas.
A foul smelling frightening vulture (that feeds on the dead body) descended on top of the chariot and fell down.
FAQs
The verse highlights the moral logic of consequences: unrighteous aggression is shadowed by inauspicious signs, reminding that adharma tends toward self-destruction.
As Dhumrākṣa’s forces are moving toward combat, ominous portents appear on the chariot and banner—signaling impending defeat.
Discernment (viveka): the ability to read warnings and reconsider harmful action, even amid pride and war-fever.