Shloka 1.40.17
सगरपुत्राणां रसातलगमनम् — The Descent of Sagara’s Sons and the Wrath of Kapila
तत: पूर्वां दिशं भित्त्वा दक्षिणां बिभिदु: पुन:।।1.40.16।।दक्षिणस्यामपि दिशि ददृशुस्ते महागजम्।महापद्मं महात्मानं सुमहत्पर्वतोपमम्।।1.40.17।।शिरसा धारयन्तं ते विस्मयं जग्मुरुत्तमम्।
tataḥ pūrvāṃ diśaṃ bhittvā dakṣiṇāṃ bibhiduḥ punaḥ |
dakṣiṇasyām api diśi dadṛśus te mahāgajam |
mahāpadmaṃ mahātmānaṃ sumahat-parvatopamam |
śirasā dhārayantaṃ te vismayaṃ jagmur uttamam ||
Then, having broken through the eastern region, they again broke into the southern quarter. There they beheld the mighty elephant Mahāpadma—great-souled, vast as a mountain—bearing the earth upon his head, and they were struck with the highest astonishment.
Subsequently, having dug the eastern region, they went on to southern and dug it too. In the southern region, they beheld a mighty elephant, magnanimous Mahapadma, resembling a great mountain. To their astonishment, they saw that elephant holding the earth on its head.
The verse reiterates the ideal of upholding one’s assigned burden in service of the whole—an image of dharma as sustaining responsibility.
This is a duplicated presentation of the Mahāpadma encounter while the princes dig through the quarters beneath the earth.
Reliability and endurance: the earth-bearer’s unwavering support becomes a moral emblem of steadfast duty.