Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 120
Śiva-stavarāja: Upamanyu’s Preface and Initiation of the Śarva-Nāma Enumeration
Anuśāsana-parva 17
नित्य आत्मसहायश्च देवासुरपति: पति: । युक्तश्न युक्तबाहुश्व देवो दिविसुपर्वण:
nitya ātmasahāyaś ca devāsurapatiḥ patiḥ | yuktaśna yuktabāhuś ca devo divi suparvaṇaḥ ||
वायु बोले—“वे नित्य आत्मसहाय हैं; देवों और असुरों के भी पति—स्वामी तथा रक्षक हैं। आचरण में संयमी, भुजाओं में स्थिर-बलयुक्त, वे दिव्य देव स्वर्ग में निवास करते हैं—उत्तम संधियों और दृढ़ अंगों से युक्त।”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises an ideal of divine and ethical excellence: true lordship is grounded in self-reliance and self-discipline (regulated conduct and controlled strength), which sustains cosmic order over opposing forces (devas and asuras).
Vāyu is describing a supreme divine figure with epithets highlighting sovereignty, disciplined living, and firm strength, situating him in heaven and portraying him as the protector-lord over both gods and asuras.