Shloka 17
भृशं भीतास्तत: शान्तिं चक्रुः स्वस्त्ययनानि च । ऋषय: सर्वभूतानामात्मनश्न हितैषिण:,सम्पूर्ण भूतोंका और अपना भी हित चाहनेवाले ऋषि अत्यन्त भयभीत हो शान्ति एवं स्वस्तिवाचन आदि कर्म करने लगे
bhṛśaṁ bhītās tataḥ śāntiṁ cakruḥ svastyayanāni ca | ṛṣayaḥ sarvabhūtānām ātmanaś ca hitaiṣiṇaḥ ||
Greatly frightened, the sages then performed rites of pacification and recited auspicious benedictions. Seeking the welfare of all beings—and their own as well—they undertook these calming acts to avert harm and restore order.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
When danger or ominous fear arises, the righteous respond not with panic or harm but with protective, welfare-oriented action—seeking peace (śānti) and auspiciousness (svasti) for all beings. The verse highlights the ethical stance of the sages as universal well-wishers (hitaiṣiṇaḥ).
Vāyudeva describes that the sages, overwhelmed by fear at the situation, begin performing pacificatory rites and reciting auspicious benedictions, aiming to avert calamity and secure the well-being of all creatures as well as themselves.