Shloka 16
Adhyāya 12: Devas’ Petition to Nahūṣa; Bṛhaspati on Śaraṇāgata-Dharma; Indrāṇī’s Strategic Delay
ब॒हस्पतिरुवाच शरणागतं न त्यजेयमिन्द्राणि मम निश्चय: । धर्मज्ञां सत्यशीलां च न त्यजेयमनिन्दिते,बृहस्पतिने कहा--इन्द्राणी! मैं शरणागतका त्याग नहीं कर सकता, यह मेरा दृढ़ निश्चय है। अनिन्दिते! तुम धर्मज्ञ और सत्यशील हो; अतः मैं तुम्हारा त्याग नहीं करूँगा
bṛhaspatir uvāca śaraṇāgataṃ na tyajeyam indrāṇi mama niścayaḥ | dharmajñāṃ satyaśīlāṃ ca na tyajeyam anindite ||
Bṛhaspati berkata: “Wahai Indrāṇī, aku tidak akan meninggalkan siapa pun yang datang mencari perlindungan—itulah tekadku yang teguh. Dan engkau, wahai yang tak bercela, karena engkau memahami dharma dan setia pada kebenaran, aku pun tidak akan meninggalkanmu.”
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse upholds the dharmic vow of protecting a śaraṇāgata (one who seeks refuge). Abandoning a supplicant is presented as ethically impermissible, and steadfastness in truth (satya) is affirmed as a guiding virtue.
Bṛhaspati addresses Indrāṇī, declaring his unwavering resolve not to forsake someone who has come seeking protection, and also not to forsake Indrāṇī herself, praising her as blameless, dharma-knowing, and truthful.