Shloka 17
Vṛtra’s Cosmic Threat, Viṣṇu’s Upāya, and the Conditional Vulnerability
Udyoga-parva 10
ऋषयो<थ ततोडश्येत्य वृत्रमूचु: प्रियं वच: । व्याप्तं जगदिदं सर्व तेजसा तव दुर्जय,उस समय वृत्रासुरके पास आकर ऋषियोंने उससे यह प्रिय वचन कहा--*दुर्जय वीर! तुम्हारे तेजसे यह सारा जगत् व्याप्त हो रहा है
ṛṣayo ’tha tato dṛṣṭvā vṛtram ūcuḥ priyaṃ vacaḥ | vyāptaṃ jagad idaṃ sarvaṃ tejasā tava durjaya ||
Then the sages approached and, seeing Vṛtra, spoke words meant to please him: “O unconquerable hero, by your splendor this entire world seems pervaded.”
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical use of speech: respectful, calming words can be employed even toward a dangerous opponent, acknowledging power without surrendering moral discernment—an instance of diplomacy through measured praise.
Sages come to Vṛtra and address him with pleasing words, remarking that his tejas (splendor/power) seems to pervade the whole world, setting a tone of cautious engagement with a formidable figure.