Shloka 36
Vivāha-dharma: Kanyā-pradāna, Śulka, and Pāṇigrahaṇa-niṣṭhā (अनुशासन पर्व, अध्याय ४४)
तथैव देवशर्मापि सभार्य: स महातपा: । निर्भयो बलवृत्रघ्नाच्वचार विजने वने,महा तपस्वी देवशर्मा भी बल और वृत्रासुरका वध करनेवाले इन्द्रसे निर्भय हो पत्नीसहित उस निर्जन वनमें विचरने लगे
tathaiva devaśarmāpi sabhāryaḥ sa mahātapāḥ | nirbhayo balavṛtraghnāc cacāra vijane vane ||
Bhīṣma said: “In the same manner, the great ascetic Devaśarmā too, accompanied by his wife, wandered in a lonely forest—fearless even of Indra, the mighty slayer of Vṛtra. The passage highlights the moral force of tapas: inner discipline and righteousness can make one steadfast and unafraid of worldly power.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that true strength arises from tapas and dharma: one who is inwardly disciplined and righteous becomes fearless, not intimidated even by the highest worldly authority (symbolized by Indra).
Bhīṣma describes Devaśarmā, a great ascetic, roaming a deserted forest with his wife. His spiritual power and integrity make him unafraid even of Indra, famed as the slayer of Vṛtra.