Shloka 6
तस्य विज्ञाय संकल्पं शक्रो वृत्रनिषूदन: । लोमशं प्रहसन् वाक्यमिदमाह शचीपति:
tasya vijñāya saṅkalpaṃ śakro vṛtraniṣūdanaḥ | lomaśaṃ prahasan vākyam idam āha śacīpatiḥ ||
Perceiving his intention, Śakra—Indra, the slayer of Vṛtra—smiled at Lomaśa and spoke these words, the lord of Śacī.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds the ethical importance of saṅkalpa (inner intention): a wise agent first discerns motives and context, then responds with composure. Indra’s gentle smile suggests confidence and restraint, implying that right action is guided by clear understanding rather than agitation.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Indra (Śakra), recognizing someone’s intention, smiles at the sage Lomaśa and begins to speak. This line functions as a transition into Indra’s forthcoming statement, marking a shift from observation to dialogue.