Shloka 256
Vṛddha-kanyā-carita and Balarāma’s Kurukṣetra Inquiry (वृद्धकन्या-चरितम् / कुरुक्षेत्रफल-प्रश्नः)
शक्र: प्रहरणान्वेषी लोकांस्त्रीन् विचचार ह । इसी समय देवताओं और दानवोंमें विरोध होने-पर इन्द्र अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंकी खोजके लिये तीनों लोकोंमें विचरण करने लगे
śakraḥ praharaṇānveṣī lokāṁs trīn vicacāra ha |
Vaiśampāyana said: “When hostility arose between the gods and the demons, Indra (Śakra), intent on finding weapons and means of combat, ranged through the three worlds in search of arms.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethic of preparedness: even a powerful ruler like Indra responds to looming conflict by actively seeking the necessary means and support, implying that responsibility in governance includes foresight and readiness rather than relying solely on status or past strength.
A conflict has arisen between the gods and the demons. Indra, called Śakra, goes through the three worlds searching for weapons and instruments of battle, setting the stage for subsequent events connected with divine warfare and strategic mobilization.