Shloka 10
भीष्म उवाच एवमुक्तस्तत: प्राह शाल्मलि: प्रहसन्निव । पवन त्वं च मे क्रुद्धों दर्शयात्मानमात्मना,भीष्मजी कहते हैं--राजन्! पवनदेवके ऐसा कहनेपर सेमलने हँसते हुए-से कहा --'पवन! तुम कुपित होकर स्वयं ही अपनी सारी शक्ति दिखाओ
bhīṣma uvāca evam uktas tataḥ prāha śālmalī prahasann iva | pavana tvaṃ ca me kruddho darśayātmānam ātmanā ||
Bhishma said: When thus addressed, Śālmalī replied, as if laughing: “O Wind-god, if you are angry with me, then reveal yourself—display your full power by your own might.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how mockery and pride can provoke a display of force, implying an ethical warning: speech should be restrained and humble, because taunting power invites consequences and escalates conflict.
Bhishma narrates that after Pavana speaks, Śālmalī responds with a laugh-like, taunting tone, challenging the Wind-god—if he is truly angry, he should reveal himself and demonstrate his full strength.