Shloka 51
Viśvarūpa’s Death, Vṛtrāsura’s Manifestation, and the Devas’ Surrender to Nārāyaṇa
मघवन् यात भद्रं वो दध्यञ्चमृषिसत्तमम् । विद्याव्रततप:सारं गात्रं याचत मा चिरम् ॥ ५१ ॥ H
maghavan yāta bhadraṁ vo dadhyañcam ṛṣi-sattamam vidyā-vrata-tapaḥ-sāraṁ gātraṁ yācata mā ciram
Ô Maghavan (Indra), que la bonne fortune soit sur toi. Je te conseille d’approcher le saint éminent Dadhyañca (Dadhīci). Il est hautement accompli en savoir, vœux et austérités, et son corps est très robuste. Va lui demander son corps sans tarder.
Everyone in this material world, from Lord Brahmā down to the ant, is eager to keep his body comfortable. A pure devotee may also be comfortable, but he is not eager for such a benediction. Since Maghavan, the King of heaven, still aspired for a comfortable bodily situation, Lord Viṣṇu advised him to ask Dadhyañca for his body, which was very strong due to his knowledge, vows and austerity.
FAQs
This verse directs Indra to approach Sage Dadhīci and request his body, because it would be used for a divine purpose in the struggle against Vṛtrāsura—showing how a perfected sage may offer even his body in service to dharma.
Because Dadhīci was the foremost ṛṣi, whose body—fortified by knowledge, vows, and austerity—was uniquely fit to be offered for a higher cause, enabling the devas to proceed in their mission.
Use one’s strength, learning, and discipline in selfless service—placing a righteous goal above personal comfort, and acting promptly when duty calls.