Shloka 41
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
इन्द्रं दृष्टवा तु राजर्षि: पादयो: शिरसा गत: । प्रसीद त्रिदशश्रेष्ठ पुत्रकामेन स क्रतुः
indraṃ dṛṣṭvā tu rājarṣiḥ pādayoḥ śirasā gataḥ | prasīda tridaśaśreṣṭha putrakāmena sa kratuḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: Beholding Indra, the royal sage drew near and bowed, laying his head at Indra’s feet. Longing for a son, that sacrificer, Kratu, pleaded: “Be gracious, O best among the gods.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores dharmic humility and proper reverence: even a powerful rājarṣi seeks legitimate aims (like progeny) through respectful supplication and ritual merit, recognizing that outcomes depend on divine favor rather than entitlement.
A royal sage, identified as the sacrificer Kratu (or a sacrificer), meets Indra, bows at his feet, and requests Indra’s grace because he desires a son.