Shloka 17
Purukutsa’s Rasātala Victory; Triśaṅku and Hariścandra; Rohita and Śunaḥśepha
पितरं वरुणग्रस्तं श्रुत्वा जातमहोदरम् । रोहितो ग्राममेयाय तमिन्द्र: प्रत्यषेधत ॥ १७ ॥
pitaraṁ varuṇa-grastaṁ śrutvā jāta-mahodaram rohito grāmam eyāya tam indraḥ pratyaṣedhata
When Rohita heard that his father, seized by Varuṇa’s affliction, had developed dropsy and a greatly swollen belly, he wished to return to the capital; but Indra forbade him.
FAQs
This verse indicates Hariścandra was seized by Varuṇa, leading to a severe bodily affliction; in the surrounding narrative, the affliction arises from unresolved duty and the consequences of failing to fulfill a vow/obligation connected with Varuṇa.
Indra intervened to prevent Rohita from returning home at that moment, steering the course of events in the unfolding narrative; the verse highlights divine interference by a deva in Rohita’s attempt to respond to his father’s crisis.
When duty, promises, and consequences collide, external obstacles may arise; the verse encourages careful discernment, responsibility, and seeking higher guidance rather than reacting impulsively to distressing news.