Shloka 9
Udyoga Parva, Adhyaya 104: Nārada on Suhṛt and Nirbandha; the Viśvāmitra–Gālava Exemplum Begins
त्वयि तिष्ठति देवेश न विष्णु: कारणं मम । त्रैलोक्यराज राज्यं हि त्वयि वासव शाश्वतम्
tvayi tiṣṭhati deveśa na viṣṇuḥ kāraṇaṃ mama | trailokyarājarājyaṃ hi tvayi vāsava śāśvatam ||
Garuḍa said: “So long as you, O lord of the gods, stand firm, Viṣṇu is not the cause of my present action. For the everlasting sovereignty over the three worlds rests with you, O Vāsava.”
गरुड उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a view of causality and authority: Garuḍa asserts that his motivation is not driven by Viṣṇu, but by Indra’s standing and rightful, enduring sovereignty over the three worlds—emphasizing allegiance to established cosmic rulership and the perceived locus of responsibility.
Garuḍa addresses Indra directly, framing Indra as the decisive power-holder. He clarifies that Viṣṇu is not prompting his action; rather, Indra’s continued position as lord of the gods and ruler of the three worlds is presented as the relevant context for Garuḍa’s stance.