Shloka 38
Aśvatthāman’s Admonition to Karṇa on Boasting, Varṇa-Duties, and the Threat of Arjuna
Virāṭa-parva, Adhyāya 45
निवातकवचै: सार्ध पौलोमैश्न महाबलै: । युध्यतो देवराजार्थे कः सहायस्तदाभवत्,देवराज इन्द्रके लिये महाबली निवातकवच और पौलोम दैत्योंके साथ युद्ध करते समय मेरा कौन सहायक था?
nivātakavacaiḥ sārdhaṃ paulomaiś ca mahābalaiḥ | yudhyato devarājārthe kaḥ sahāyas tadābhavat ||
“Khi ta vì Đế Thích—chúa tể chư thiên Indra—mà giao chiến với bọn Nivātakavaca và Pauloma hùng mạnh, khi ấy ai là đồng minh của ta?”
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that great victories in dharmic warfare are not merely personal achievements; they depend on rightful support—divine purpose, capable allies, and proper guidance—inviting reflection on humility and the sources of strength.
Uttara, speaking in the Virata Parva context, recalls a famed battle fought for Indra against formidable daityas (Nivātakavacas and Paulomas) and asks pointedly who served as his ally then—implying that such extraordinary feats require an exceptional helper.