Shloka 2.74.21
भरतस्य कैकेयी-गर्हा तथा सुरभि-दृष्टान्तः (Bharata’s Reproach of Kaikeyi and the Surabhi Exemplum)
भयं कच्छिन्न चास्मासु कुतश्चिद्विद्यते महत्।कुतोनिमत्तश्शोकस्ते ब्रूहि सर्वहितैषिणि।।।।
bhayaṁ kacchin na cāsmāsu kutaścid vidyate mahat | kuto nimattaḥ śokas te brūhi sarvahitaiṣiṇi ||
O well-wisher of all, I trust no great fear has arisen for us from any quarter. From what cause does your sorrow come? Tell me.
'O holy cow fear not. You wish the welfare of all, Has any great calamity befallen us from any quarter? I hope not. What is the reason for your sorrow? Tell me'.
Dharma begins with truthful inquiry and concern for others’ welfare: one should ask the cause of suffering and address it rather than ignore it.
Indra questions Surabhi respectfully, checking first for any danger to the gods and then seeking the true cause of her grief.
Indra’s responsibility and empathy—he combines vigilance for the common good with care for an individual’s pain.