Shloka 8
शकुनेः पुत्रेण सह आश्वमेधाश्वविषयः संघर्षः — Arjuna’s restrained engagement with Śakuni’s son during the horse-escort
उपस्थितश्न॒ कालोडयमभितो वर्तते हय: । माघी च पौर्णमासीयं मास: शेषो वृकोदर
vaiśampāyana uvāca | upasthitaḥ kālo 'yam abhito vartate hayaḥ | māghī ca paurṇamāsīyaṃ māsaḥ śeṣo vṛkodara ||
毗舍波耶那说道：“噢，弗利口达罗，所定之期已近在眼前，祭马亦在近旁。摩伽月的望日将至；只余一月。”就上下文而言，此言是在催促为阿湿婆梅陀（马祀）作及时而严整的准备——此祭旨在战后重建秩序与王权正当性，强调备办周全、遵守祭时与对法（dharma）的责任。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kāla (right timing) and preparedness: dharmic action—especially public, legitimizing rites like the Aśvamedha—should be undertaken with attentiveness to auspicious time, proper resources (the horse), and disciplined readiness.
Vaiśampāyana informs Vṛkodara (Bhīma) that the time for beginning the Aśvamedha is near: the sacrificial horse is close by, the Māgha full moon is approaching, and only one month remains before the intended commencement.