Shloka 10
Parāśara’s Counsel on बुद्धि (Discernment), Karma-Consequences, and Avoidance of Pāpānubandha Actions
शक्रस्य तु तदा राजन्नूरुस्तम्भो व्यजायत । भयाद् वृत्रस्य सहसा दृष्ट्वा तद्भूपमुत्तमम्,राजन्! उस समय वृत्रासुरका वह उत्तम एवं विशाल रूप देखकर सहसा भयके मारे इन्द्रकी दोनों जाँघें अकड़ गयीं
śakrasya tu tadā rājann ūrūstambho vyajāyata | bhayād vṛtrasya sahasā dṛṣṭvā tad bhūpam uttamam ||
Bhishma said: “O King, at that time, upon suddenly beholding Vṛtra’s magnificent and towering form, Śakra (Indra) was seized by fear, and his thighs became rigid—his body betraying the inner collapse of courage before a formidable adversary.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the mighty can be overtaken by fear; true strength in dharma includes self-mastery and steadiness of mind when confronted with overwhelming appearances.
Bhīṣma narrates that Indra, on suddenly seeing Vṛtra’s immense and splendid form, becomes frightened and physically stiffens—his thighs locking in a moment of panic.