Shloka 37
Vṛtra’s Cosmic Threat, Viṣṇu’s Upāya, and the Conditional Vulnerability
Udyoga-parva 10
एवं संचिन्तयन्नेव शक्रो विष्णुमनुस्मरन् । अथ फेनं तदापश्यत् समुद्रे पर्वतोपमम्
evaṃ saṃcintayann eva śakro viṣṇum anusmaran | atha phenaṃ tadāpaśyat samudre parvatopamam ||
As Indra continued reflecting in this way, he repeatedly called Lord Viṣṇu to mind. Just then his gaze fell upon a mass of foam rising in the ocean, towering like a mountain.
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical posture of seeking clarity through sustained reflection and remembrance of the divine (Viṣṇu) when facing uncertainty; inner recollection and humility before higher guidance precede decisive action.
Indra, while pondering, repeatedly remembers Viṣṇu. At that moment he notices a mountain-like mass of foam in the ocean, a striking sign that draws his attention and sets up the next development in the episode.