Shloka 34
Devaśarmā–Vipula Dialogue on Ahorātra–Ṛtu as Moral Witnesses (अनुशासन पर्व, अध्याय ४३)
सिंहव्याप्रगजानां च रूपं धारयते पुन: । दैवं दैत्यमथो राज्ञां वपुर्धारयतेडपि च,सिंह, व्याप्र और हाथीके भी रूप बारंबार धारण करते हैं। देवताओं, दैत्यों तथा राजाओंके शरीर भी धारण कर लेते हैं
siṁha-vyāghra-gajānāṁ ca rūpaṁ dhārayate punaḥ | daivaṁ daityam atho rājñāṁ vapur dhārayate ’pi ca ||
Bhishma said: “Again and again, it assumes the forms of lions, tigers, and elephants. It can also take on the bodies of gods, demons, and even kings.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Outward form can be assumed and manipulated—even to resemble powerful animals, gods, demons, or kings—so ethical judgment should rest on behavior and adherence to dharma rather than on appearance, rank, or seeming grandeur.
Bhishma describes a being or power capable of repeatedly taking different forms, ranging from fierce animals to exalted or royal bodies, highlighting the motif of disguise and the need for careful discrimination in moral and social life.