Shloka 5
Janamejaya’s Request for Expansion; Vaiśampāyana’s Authorization and Phalāśruti of the Mahābhārata
Jaya
ऋत्विज ऊचु: यथा शास्त्राणि नः प्राहुर्यया शंसति पावक: । इन्द्रस्य भवने राजं॑स्तक्षको भयपीडित:,ऋत्विज बोले--राजन! हमारे शास्त्र जैसा कहते हैं तथा अग्निदेव जैसी बात बता रहे हैं, उसके अनुसार तो तक्षक नाग भयसे पीड़ित हो इन्द्रके भवनमें छिपा हुआ है
ṛtvija ūcuḥ | yathā śāstrāṇi naḥ prāhur yayā śaṃsati pāvakaḥ | indrasya bhavane rājan takṣako bhayapīḍitaḥ ||
Die Opferpriester sprachen: „O König, wie es unsere heiligen Schriften verkünden und wie Agni selbst berichtet, hat Takṣaka —von Furcht gepeinigt— Zuflucht gesucht und sich in Indras himmlischer Wohnstatt verborgen.“
जनमेजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores reliance on śāstra (authoritative tradition) and trustworthy testimony (here, Agni’s report) in guiding royal action, while also highlighting that even powerful beings seek refuge when confronted by the consequences of their deeds.
During Janamejaya’s serpent-sacrifice episode, the priests inform the king—citing scriptural authority and Agni’s message—that Takṣaka, fearing the rite’s power, has concealed himself in Indra’s heavenly residence.