Shloka 20
Marutta–Indra Rivalry and Bṛhaspati’s Priestly Refusal (मरुत्तेन्द्रस्पर्धा—बृहस्पतेः पौरोहित्यनिश्चयः)
कथं ह्ामर्त्य ब्रह्मंस्त्वं याजयित्वा सुराधिपम् । याजयेरमत्युसंयुक्त मरुत्तमविशड्कया,“ब्रह्म! आप अमर देवराजका यज्ञ कराकर-देदवेन्द्रके पुरोहित होकर मरणथधर्मा मरुत्तका यज्ञ कैसे निःशंक होकर कराइयेगा?
kathaṃ hy amartya brahman tvaṃ yājayitvā surādhipam | yājayer martyusaṃyuktaṃ maruttaṃ aviśaṅkayā ||
“O Brahmin, after having served as the officiating priest who conducted the sacrifice for the immortal lord of the gods, how will you, without hesitation, conduct a sacrifice for Marutta, who is bound to mortality?”
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a tension in ritual-ethical hierarchy: having officiated for an immortal divine sovereign (Indra), a priest may feel reluctance or doubt about officiating for a mortal king. It raises questions about impartiality in priestly duty and the proper valuation of human kingship versus divine status.
Vyāsa addresses a Brahmin officiant and challenges him: after conducting Indra’s sacrifice, how can he confidently conduct a sacrifice for King Marutta, who is mortal? The question frames the ensuing discussion about Marutta’s sacrifice and the legitimacy and stature of a human patron in comparison to the gods.