Shloka 1.41.3
अंशुमान्—अश्वान्वेषणम्, दिशागजसंवादः, कपिलदाहवृत्तान्तः, गङ्गोपदेशः (Anshuman’s Search for the Horse and the Counsel to Bring Ganga)
अन्तर्भौमानि सत्त्वानि वीर्यवन्ति महान्ति च।तेषां त्वं प्रतिघातार्थं सास्त्रं गृह्णीष्व कार्मुकम्।।।।
daityadānavarakṣobhiḥ piśācapatagoragaiḥ | pūjyamānaṃ mahātejā diśāgajam apaśyata ||
The radiant Anśumān beheld the guardian elephant of the quarter, worshipped by daityas, dānavas, rākṣasas, piśācas, birds, and serpents.
'Creatures in the depths of the earth are powerful and mighty. Carry with you a bow and weapons to counter their attack'.
Recognition of cosmic order: even fearsome beings acknowledge higher guardianship. Dharma includes understanding that power is ultimately situated within a larger moral and cosmic structure.
During his descent, Anśumān encounters a diśāgaja—an awe-inspiring directional guardian—receiving worship from many classes of beings.
Awe tempered by discernment—Anśumān observes sacred hierarchy rather than reacting with hostility.