Shloka 18
Parāśara’s Counsel on बुद्धि (Discernment), Karma-Consequences, and Avoidance of Pāpānubandha Actions
ततोअनन््तरिक्षमावृत्य वृत्रो धर्मभूतां वर: । अश्मवर्षेण देवेन्द्र समाकिरदतिद्रुतम्,तब धर्मात्माओंमें श्रेष्ठ वृत्रासुरने आकाशको घेरकर बड़ी उतावलीके साथ देवराज इन्द्रपर पत्थरोंकी वर्षा आरम्भ कर दी
tato 'nantaram ākāśam āvṛtya vṛtro dharmabhūtāṁ varaḥ | aśmavarṣeṇa devendra samākirad atidrutam ||
Lalu Vṛtra, yang disebut terdepan di antara para penegak dharma, menutupi langit dan dengan sangat cepat mengguyurkan hujan batu ke arah Indra, raja para dewa.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical complexity that a figure described as dharmic (dharmabhūta) may still engage in violent action within a conflict; it invites reflection on how righteousness, intention, and conduct can diverge under the pressures of war.
Vṛtra envelops the sky and rapidly pelts Indra with a barrage of stones, escalating the battle and portraying Vṛtra’s formidable power and urgency.