Shloka 13
Parāśara’s Counsel on बुद्धि (Discernment), Karma-Consequences, and Avoidance of Pāpānubandha Actions
कुरुनन्दन! इन्द्रको खड़ा देखकर भी वृत्रासुरके मनमें न तो घबराहट हुई, न कोई भय हुआ और न इन्द्रके प्रति उसकी कोई युद्धविषयक चेष्टा ही हुई ।। ततः समभवद् युद्ध त्रैलोक्यस्य भयंकरम् । शक्रस्य च सुरेन््द्रस्य वृत्रस्य च महात्मन:,फिर तो देवराज इन्द्र और महामनस्वी वृत्रासुरमें भारी युद्ध छिड़ गया, जो तीनों लोकोंके मनमें भय उत्पन्न करनेवाला था
tataḥ samabhavad yuddhaṃ trailokyasya bhayaṅkaram | śakrasya ca surendrasya vṛtrasya ca mahātmanaḥ ||
Then there arose a great battle—terrifying to the three worlds—between Śakra, the lord of the gods, and Vṛtra, the high-souled asura. Though Indra stood ready, Vṛtra’s mind showed no panic or fear, nor any rash, hatred-driven impulse.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when a conflict becomes inevitable, inner steadiness matters: Vṛtra is portrayed as unshaken by fear or agitation, suggesting that true strength is composure and moral gravity, not mere aggression. The verse also frames war as a cosmic event affecting the order of the worlds, reminding the listener that actions—especially violent ones—carry far-reaching ethical consequences.
Bhīṣma describes the moment when a dreadful battle begins between Indra (Śakra), king of the gods, and Vṛtra. The clash is so intense that it inspires fear across the three worlds, marking it as more than a personal duel—an upheaval with universal impact.