Shloka 16
Kṣātra-Dharma, Daṇḍanīti, and Social Order
Indra–Māndhātṛ Dialogue
इन्द्र रवाच किमिष्यते धर्म भृतां वरिष्ठ यद् द्रष्टकामो5सि तमप्रमेयम् । अनन्तमायामितमन्त्रवीर्य नारायण हादिदेवं पुराणम्
indra uvāca kim iṣyate dharma-bhṛtāṁ variṣṭha yad draṣṭa-kāmo 'si tam aprameyam | ananta-māyāmita-mantra-vīrya nārāyaṇaṁ hy ādi-devaṁ purāṇam ||
Indra said: “O best among the upholders of dharma, since you desire to behold that immeasurable, primeval Lord Nārāyaṇa—endowed with endless māyā, boundless sacred power, and heroic potency—what is it that you seek? For what purpose do you wish to see Him, and what boon do you hope to obtain from Him?”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the desire for divine vision is framed ethically: one should examine one’s intention (iṣyate) and the sought outcome (boon). The verse highlights Nārāyaṇa’s transcendence (aprameya) and supreme power, implying that approaching the divine should be purposeful, dharmic, and free from trivial motives.
Indra addresses a dharma-exemplifying figure and asks why he wishes to see the primeval Lord Nārāyaṇa. Indra underscores Nārāyaṇa’s immeasurable nature and powers, then inquires what request or benefit the seeker hopes to obtain through that audience.