Shloka 4
Karma, Preta-gati, and the Continuity of Phala
Mārkaṇḍeya’s Instruction
भीम उवाच अयमार्य महासत्वो भक्षार्थ मां गृहीतवान् । नहुषो नाम राजर्षि: प्राणवानिव संस्थित:,भीम बोले--आर्य! ये वायुभक्षी सर्पके रूपमें बैठे हुए महान् शक्तिशाली साक्षात् राजर्षि नहुष हैं, इन्होंने मुझे अपना आहार बनानेके लिये पकड़ रखा है
bhīma uvāca | ayam ārya mahāsattvo bhakṣārthaṁ māṁ gṛhītavān | nahuṣo nāma rājarṣiḥ prāṇavān iva saṁsthitaḥ ||
قال بهيما: «يا أيها الشريف! لقد أمسك بي هذا الكائن الجبار ليجعلني طعامًا. إنه الحكيم الملكي المسمّى نَهُوشَة، جالسٌ هنا كأنه ما يزال حيًّا».
भीम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power and status (even that of a rājarṣi) do not guarantee righteousness; the episode frames ethical reflection on pride, downfall, and the need to respond to danger with discernment rather than mere force.
Bhīma reports to his companion that a formidable being—identified as the royal sage Nahuṣa—has taken him captive with the intent to devour him, describing Nahuṣa’s uncanny, life-like presence as he sits there.