Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 173
यो मां कश्चिद् वासयीत न स मां कोपयेदिति । “यदि मेरा थोड़ा-सा भी अपराध बन जाय तो मैं समस्त प्राणियोंपर अत्यन्त कुपित हो उठता हूँ। मेरे इस भाषणको सुनकर कौन मेरे लिये ठहरनेका स्थान देगा? जो कोई मुझे अपने घरमें ठहराये
yo māṁ kaścid vāsayīta na sa māṁ kopayed iti |
Vāyu said: “Who would ever give me a place to stay after hearing my words? If even the slightest fault is made against me, I flare up in intense anger toward all beings. Therefore, whoever lets me dwell in his house must not provoke my wrath; he must remain constantly vigilant about this.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights the ethical danger of uncontrolled anger: when a powerful being (or person) is easily provoked, others must exercise constant restraint and care. Implicitly, it also critiques such volatility by showing how it makes social life—like offering hospitality—difficult and burdensome.
Vāyu speaks about his own temperament, admitting that even a small offense can trigger overwhelming anger. He then states a condition for anyone who would host him: they must ensure they do not provoke him and must remain continually cautious.