Shloka 12
बभ्रुवाहन-धनंजययोः संग्रामः
Babhruvāhana and Dhanaṃjaya’s engagement at Maṇipūra
ततोडन्यथा कृच्छूगता भविष्यथ मयार्दिता: । एवमुकक््त्वा तु तान् वीरान् युयुधे कुरुपुड्रव:
tato ’nyathā kṛcchragatā bhaviṣyatha mayārditāḥ | evam uktvā tu tān vīrān yuyudhe kuru-puṅgavaḥ ||
பின்னர் அவன் கூறினான்—“இதற்கு மாறாக நடந்தால், என் தாக்குதலால் துன்பத்தில் ஆழ்வீர்கள்.” இவ்வாறு சொல்லி, குருக்களில் முதன்மையானவன் அந்த வீரர்களுடன் போரிட்டான்।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores a kṣatriya-style ethic of accountability: refusal to comply with a rightful command or challenge brings tangible consequences. Speech is not merely rhetoric; it is immediately matched by action, emphasizing responsibility and resolve.
A leading Kuru warrior warns the opposing heroes that if they choose a contrary course, he will force them into hardship. After delivering this ultimatum, he proceeds to fight them, turning the warning into immediate combat.