Shloka 23
Mahābhārata-saṅkṣepa and Avatāra-kāraṇa
Brahmā’s Synopsis of the Epic and the Logic of Divine Descents
नाप्तवन्तः कुरुक्षेत्रे युद्धञ्चक्रुर्बलान्विताः / अक्षौहिणीभिर्दिव्याभिः सप्तभिः परिवारिताः
nāptavantaḥ kurukṣetre yuddhañcakrurbalānvitāḥ / akṣauhiṇībhirdivyābhiḥ saptabhiḥ parivāritāḥ
नाप्तवन्तः, कुरुक्षेत्रे बलान्विताः युद्धं चक्रुः; दिव्याभिः सप्तभिः अक्षौहिणीभिः परिवारिताः।
Uncertain from isolated verse (likely within the Viṣṇu–Garuḍa dialogue, but needs surrounding context to confirm)
Concept: When rightful claims are denied, collective karma ripens into war; adharma precipitates large-scale suffering.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma’s restoration may require painful action; outcomes unfold through prārabdha and collective causality, while inner detachment remains ideal.
Application: Recognize how systemic injustice escalates into conflict; address grievances early; understand consequences of refusal and pride.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: battlefield (dharmakṣetra)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: war as fruit of adharma; didactic reminders that violence arises from greed and envy (thematic).
FAQs
An akṣauhiṇī is a classical measure of a full army formation; this verse emphasizes the scale by mentioning seven divine akṣauhiṇīs surrounding the combatants.
Kurukṣetra functions as a culturally recognized symbol of dharma-yuddha and decisive conflict; this verse invokes that frame to describe a powerful, large-scale battle scene.
Treat conflict as a dharmic responsibility: act with strength and discipline, but ensure the goal (āpti) is righteous—otherwise even great power leads to fruitless struggle.