Shloka 8
Marutta’s Sacrifice: Indra’s Threat, Saṃvarta’s Mantric Restraint, and Divine Reconciliation (अध्याय १०)
गन्धर्व उवाच घोरो नाद: श्रूयतां वासवस्य नभसस््तले गर्जतो राजसिंह । व्यक्त वज्ञ मोक्ष्यते ते महेन्द्र: क्षेमं राज॑श्षिन्त्यतामेष काल:,गन्धर्वराजने कहा--राजसिंह! आकाशमें गर्जना करते हुए इन्द्रका वह घोर सिंहनाद सुनिये। जान पड़ता है, महेन्द्र आपके ऊपर वज्र छोड़ना ही चाहते हैं; अतः राजन्! अपनी रक्षा एवं भलाईका उपाय सोचिये। इसके लिये यही अवसर है
Gandharva uvāca: ghoro nādaḥ śrūyatāṃ vāsavasya nabhas-tale garjato rāja-siṃha. vyaktaṃ vajraṃ mokṣyate te mahendraḥ; kṣemaṃ rājañ cintyatām eṣa kālaḥ.
The Gandharva said: “O lion among kings, listen to that dreadful roar of Vāsava (Indra) thundering in the sky. It is clear that Mahendra is about to hurl his thunderbolt (vajra) at you. Therefore, O king, consider at once the means of your safety and well-being—this is the decisive moment.”
गन्धर्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes timely discernment and responsible action: when danger is evident, a ruler should promptly reflect on the means of protection and welfare rather than delay. Ethical governance includes vigilance, preparedness, and choosing the right response at the right time.
A Gandharva addresses a king (called “lion among kings”), drawing attention to Indra’s terrifying thunder in the sky and warning that Indra appears ready to hurl the vajra. The speaker urges the king to immediately think of measures for safety, stressing that the present moment is critical.