Shloka 1.40.1

सगरपुत्राणां रसातलगमनम् — The Descent of Sagara’s Sons and the Wrath of Kapila

Devanagari script

.देवतानां वचश्श्रुत्वा भगवान्वै पितामह:।प्रत्युवाच सुसन्त्रस्तान्कृतान्तबलमोहितान्।।।।

Transliteration

bhūyaḥ khanata bhadraṃ vo nirbhidya vasudhātalam |

aśva-hartāram āsādya kṛtārthāś ca nivartatha || 1.40.10 ||

Translation

“Dig again—may it be well with you—cleaving the earth’s surface; having found the horse-stealer, return when your purpose is fulfilled.”

Context

Having heard the devatas, extremely frightened, and deprived of their sensual perception by the prowess of fate. The adorable grandsire (Brahma) replied:

Characters & Entities

• Brahmā
• aśva (sacrificial horse)
• aśva-hartṛ (horse-thief)
• earth (vasudhā)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma as duty-fulfillment: the instruction emphasizes completing a righteous objective (recovering the sacrificial horse) and then returning without excess or disorder.

What is the narrative situation?

Brahmā issues a directive connected to the search for the stolen sacrificial horse: resume digging, locate the thief, and return after success.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kartavya-niṣṭhā (steadfastness in duty): perseverance toward a defined goal, paired with restraint—ending action once the purpose is achieved.