Shloka 9
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 209: Śaraṇāgati of the Cursed Apsarases; Nārītīrtha-prasiddhi; Arjuna’s Vimocana
ततः सर्वा महीं जेतुमारब्धावुग्रशासनौ । सैनिकांश्व समाहूय सुतीक्ष्णं वाक्यमूचतु:,तदनन्तर भयंकर शासन करनेवाले वे दोनों दैत्य सारी पृथ्वीको जीतनेके लिये उद्यत हो गये और अपने सैनिकोंको बुलाकर अत्यन्त तीखे वचन बोले--
tataḥ sarvāṁ mahīṁ jetum ārabdhāv ugraśāsanau | sainikāṁś ca samāhūya sutīkṣṇaṁ vākyam ūcatuḥ ||
Pagkaraan, ang dalawang iyon na nakapangingilabot ang pamamahala ay nagsimulang magbalak na sakupin ang buong daigdig. Tinipon nila ang kanilang mga kawal at nagsalita ng mga salitang ubod ng tindi at lupit—hudyat ng isang kampanyang pinatatakbo ng pananakot sa halip na pagpipigil.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the pursuit of conquest, when joined with harsh शासन and cruel speech, reflects a decline in restraint and dharma; power exercised through intimidation tends toward adharma and suffering.
Nārada describes two fierce rulers preparing to conquer the entire earth: they summon their troops and address them with very harsh, cutting words, indicating an aggressive military undertaking.