Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 21
Baka Dālbhya at Avakīrṇa-tīrtha: Rāṣṭra-kṣaya and Release through Prasāda (Śalya-parva, Adhyāya 40)
सृजस्व शबरान् घोरानिति स्वां गामुवाच ह | तथोक्ता सासृजद् धेनु: पुरुषान् घोरदर्शनान्
sṛjasva śabarān ghorān iti svāṃ gām uvāca ha | tathoktā sā sṛjad dhenuḥ puruṣān ghoradarśanān |
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: He addressed his own cow, saying, “Create fierce Śabara warriors.” Thus commanded, that wish-fulfilling cow brought forth men of terrifying appearance—an episode that underscores how ascetic power and sacred resources, when directed toward protection or conflict, can swiftly manifest formidable force.
वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the potency of sacred or ascetic resources: when commanded, they can generate immense protective or destructive power. Ethically, it points to the responsibility borne by those who wield such power—its use should align with dharma, not mere anger or pride.
A figure commands his miraculous cow to create fierce Śabara warriors. Obeying the command, the cow produces terrifying-looking men, indicating a sudden manifestation of armed force through supernatural means.
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