Shloka 216
इन्द्रस्य दुःखप्राप्तिः—त्रिशिरोवधः, वृत्रोत्पत्तिः, जृम्भिकाजननम्
Indra’s Distress: Slaying of Triśiras, Birth of Vṛtra, and the Origin of Yawning
शत्रुः प्रवृद्धो नोपेक्ष्यो दुर्बलोडपि बलीयसा। (उन्होंने सोचा--) “आज मैं त्रिशिरापर वज्रका प्रहार करूँगा, जिससे वह तत्काल नष्ट हो जायगा। बलवान पुरुषको दुर्बल होनेपर भी बढ़ते हुए अपने शत्रुकी उपेक्षा नहीं करनी चाहिये'
śatruḥ pravṛddho nopekṣyo durbalo 'pi balīyasā
Śalya said: “Even if an enemy is presently weak, when he is growing in strength he must not be ignored by one who is stronger.” (He thought:) “Today I shall strike Triśiras with the vajra, so that he is destroyed at once.”
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
A rising enemy should not be neglected: apparent weakness is not safety if the opponent is gaining strength; prudent action and vigilance are part of responsible leadership and warrior-ethics.
Śalya delivers a maxim of political-military counsel within the Udyoga Parva context, emphasizing strategic foresight—treating an emerging threat seriously even before it becomes overwhelming.