Shloka 24
Kṛpa’s Archery Display; Śikhaṇḍin Checked; Suketu Slain; Dhṛṣṭadyumna–Kṛtavarmā Clash (कृपशौर्य–पार्षतहार्दिक्ययुद्धम्)
सर्वाम्भसां निर्धि भीम॑ मूर्तिमन्तं झषायुतम् । चन्द्रोदये विवर्धन्तमप्लव: संस्तितीर्षसि,“अरे! तुम चन्द्रोदयके समय बढ़ते हुए, जलजन्तुओंसे पूर्ण तथा उत्ताल तरंगोंसे व्याप्त अगाध जलराशिवाले भयंकर समुद्रको बिना किसी नावके ही केवल दोनों हाथोंके सहारे पार करना चाहते हो
sarvāmbhasāṁ nidhir bhīmaṁ mūrtimantaṁ jhaṣāyutam | candrodaye vivardhantam aplavaḥ saṁstitīrṣasi ||
सञ्जय उवाच—चन्द्रोदये विवर्धमानं सर्वाम्भसां निधिं घोरं झषायुतं जलजन्तुसङ्कुलम् । उत्तालतरणव्याप्तमगाधं सागरं नावं विना केवलाभ्यां बाहुभ्यां तर्तुमिच्छसि—अयं तव धृष्टनिश्चयः ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse warns against rash, means-less ambition: attempting a vast, dangerous task without proper support (a ‘boat’) is folly. Ethical discernment includes recognizing limits, choosing appropriate means, and not mistaking bravado for true capability.
Sanjaya uses a vivid simile: crossing a terrifying, swelling ocean at moonrise with no boat. He is characterizing someone’s intention as nearly impossible and dangerously overconfident, emphasizing the peril and imprudence of the attempt.