Shloka 18
Vṛtra’s Cosmic Threat, Viṣṇu’s Upāya, and the Conditional Vulnerability
Udyoga-parva 10
न च शकक््नोषि निर्जेतुं वासवं बलिनां वर । युध्यतोश्चापि वां कालो व्यतीत: सुमहानिह,“बलवानोंमें श्रेष्ठ वृत्र! इतनेपर भी तुम इन्द्रको जीत नहीं सकते। तुम दोनोंको युद्ध करते बहुत समय बीत गया है
na ca śaknoṣi nirjetuṃ vāsavaṃ balināṃ vara | yudhyatoś cāpi vāṃ kālo vyatītaḥ sumahān iha ||
Śalya said: “And even so, O best among the mighty, you are not able to conquer Vāsava (Indra). Indeed, as the two of you have been fighting, a very long time has passed here.”
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Mere strength and prolonged effort do not guarantee victory against a superior power; the verse underscores realistic appraisal in conflict and the ethical need for prudent counsel rather than stubborn persistence.
Śalya addresses a mighty opponent, stating that despite continued fighting for a long time, Indra (Vāsava) still cannot be defeated—highlighting the stalemate and the futility of persisting in an unwinnable struggle.