Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 115
Śiva-stavarāja: Upamanyu’s Preface and Initiation of the Śarva-Nāma Enumeration
Anuśāsana-parva 17
धृतिमान् मतिमान् दक्ष: सत्कृतश्च युगाधिप: । गोपालियगगोपतिग्रामो गोचर्मवसनो हरि:
dhṛtimān matimān dakṣaḥ satkṛtaś ca yugādhipaḥ | gopālī gopatigrāmo gocarmavasano hariḥ ||
वायु-देव बोले— वह धैर्यवान, बुद्धिमान, दक्ष और सबके द्वारा सत्कृत—युग का अधिपति है। वह इन्द्रियों का पालक, गौओं का स्वामी और समुदायों का भी स्वामी है; गोचर्म का वस्त्र धारण करने वाला वह हरि है, जो भक्तों के दुःख हर लेता है।
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches an ethical ideal of divinity expressed through virtues: steadiness (dhṛti), intelligence (mati), competence (dakṣatā), and being worthy of honor (satkṛti). It also links true lordship with protection—of senses (self-mastery) and of dependents (cattle/communities)—and portrays the deity as one who alleviates devotees’ suffering (Hari).
Vāyu-deva is speaking in praise, listing epithets and attributes of the revered deity (Hari). The speech functions like a stotra-style identification: describing the divine figure through moral qualities, protective roles, and distinctive ascetic/ritual imagery (wearing cowhide).