Shloka 13
दूष्टवा तमविकारस्थं तिष्ठन्तं निर्भयं बलिम् | अधिरूवढो द्विपश्रेष्ठमित्युवाच शतक्रतु:,उन्हें निर्भय और निर्विकार होकर खड़ा देख श्रेष्ठ गजराजपर चढ़े हुए शतक्रतु इन्द्रने उनसे इस प्रकार कहा--
dṛṣṭvā tam avikārasthaṁ tiṣṭhantaṁ nirbhayaṁ balim | adhirūḍho dvipaśreṣṭham ity uvāca śatakratuḥ ||
ভীষ্ম বললেন—নির্ভয় ও অবিকারচিত্তে স্থির হয়ে দাঁড়িয়ে থাকা বলিকে দেখে, শ্রেষ্ঠ গজরাজে আরূঢ় শতক্রতু ইন্দ্র তাঁকে এইভাবে সম্বোধন করলেন।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds inner steadiness as an ethical strength: Bali’s fearlessness and unperturbed mind suggest self-mastery and principled resolve, even when confronted by higher power. It implies that true dignity in dharma is shown by composure and firmness, not by outward dominance.
Bhīṣma narrates a moment where Indra (Śatakratu), riding the best of elephants, sees Bali standing fearless and unmoved, and then begins to speak to him. The verse sets the stage for a consequential dialogue between a celestial ruler and a steadfast king.