Shloka 36
त्रिवर्गमूलनिश्चयः — Determining the Roots of Dharma, Artha, and Kāma
Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 123
महादेवस्ततस्तस्मिन् वृत्ते यज्ञे यथाविधि । दण्डं धर्मस्य गोप्तारं विष्णवे सत्कृतं ददौ,तदनन्तर ब्रह्माजीका वह यज्ञ जब विधिपूर्वक सम्पन्न हो गया, तब महादेवजीने धर्मरक्षक भगवान् विष्णुका सत्कार करके उन्हें वह दण्ड समर्पित किया
mahādevastatastasmīn vṛtte yajñe yathāvidhi | daṇḍaṃ dharmasya goptāraṃ viṣṇave satkṛtaṃ dadau ||
Vasuharoma said: When that sacrifice had been duly completed according to rule, Mahādeva honored Viṣṇu—the protector of Dharma—and presented to him the daṇḍa, the staff of punishment, emblem of righteous governance. By this it is shown that the power to restrain wrongdoing must be exercised in the service of Dharma and entrusted to one worthy of it.
वसुहरोम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Legitimate power to punish (daṇḍa) is not mere force; it is a sacred trust meant to protect Dharma. It should be exercised by a worthy guardian with reverence for moral order, not for personal gain.
After a sacrifice is properly completed, Mahādeva honors Viṣṇu and formally hands over the daṇḍa—the symbol of punitive authority and governance—affirming Viṣṇu’s role as protector of Dharma.