Shloka 91
Duryodhana’s Śaraṇāgati and the Pāṇḍavas’ Resolve
Gandharva Encounter
महिषो<पि रथं दृष्ट्वा रौद्रो रुद्रस्य चानदत् । देवान् संत्रासयंश्वापि दैत्यांश्षापि प्रहर्षयन्,भयानक महिषासुर रुद्रके रथको देखकर देवताओंको त्रास और दैत्योंको हर्ष प्रदान करता हुआ बार-बार सिंहनाद करने लगा
mahiṣo 'pi rathaṃ dṛṣṭvā raudro rudrasya cānadat | devān saṃtrāsayaṃś cāpi daityāṃś cāpi praharṣayan ||
Mārkaṇḍeya nói: Thấy chiến xa của Rudra, quỷ trâu hung bạo ấy lại gầm lên hết lần này đến lần khác. Tiếng gầm kinh khiếp của hắn gieo nỗi khiếp sợ vào chư thiên, đồng thời làm bọn Dānava hân hoan—điềm báo cho cuộc đụng độ dữ dội sắp bùng nổ.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how displays of power shape collective psychology: the same act (a terrifying roar) can weaken the righteous side through fear and strengthen the unrighteous through exhilaration. Ethically, it points to the need for steadiness and discernment—dharma is upheld not by panic or bravado, but by inner firmness in the face of intimidation.
Mārkaṇḍeya narrates that the buffalo-demon, upon seeing Rudra’s chariot, repeatedly roars in a dreadful manner. His roar spreads terror among the gods while simultaneously encouraging the Daityas, signaling the intensification of the impending battle.