Shloka 14
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Lament and Kṛṣṇa’s Rudra-Cosmogony Explanation (सौप्तिक पर्व, अध्याय १७)
तमब्रवीत् पिता नास्ति त्वदन्य: पुरुषो5ग्रज: । स्थाणुरेष जले मग्नो विस्रब्ध: कुरु वैकृतम्,यह सुनकर पिता ब्रह्माने स्रष्टासे कहा--*तुम्हारे सिवा दूसरा कोई अग्रज पुरुष नहीं है। ये स्थाणु (शिव) हैं भी तो पानीमें डूबे हुए हैं; अतः तुम निश्चिन्त होकर सृष्टिका कार्य आरम्भ करो'
tam abravīt pitā nāsti tvadanyaḥ puruṣo 'grajaḥ | sthāṇur eṣa jale magnaḥ visrabdhaḥ kuru vaikṛtam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The Father (Brahmā) said to the Creator: “Other than you there is no elder male. And this Sthāṇu (Śiva) is submerged in the waters; therefore, act without fear and begin the work of creation.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes sanctioned action and fearlessness: when rightful authority confirms there is no higher claimant or restraining elder, one should proceed confidently with one’s appointed duty—here symbolized by beginning creation.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Brahmā reassures the Creator that no elder male exists besides him, and that Śiva (Sthāṇu) is submerged in the waters; therefore the Creator should proceed without anxiety and commence the creative task.