Shloka 14
Pātāla-varṇana (Nārada’s Description of the Netherworld) / पातालवर्णनम्
भवन वारुणं पश्य यदेतत् सर्वकाउ्चनम् । यत् प्राप्य सुरतां प्राप्ता: सुरा: सुरपते: सखे
bhavan vāruṇaṁ paśya yad etat sarva-kāñcanam | yat prāpya suratāṁ prāptāḥ surāḥ surapateḥ sakhe, mahendra-mitra |
Wahai sahabat Mahendra! Lihatlah istana Varuṇa ini—seluruhnya terbuat dari emas di segala sisi. Wahai kawan sang raja para dewa, setelah mencapai tempat inilah para dewa sungguh memperoleh keilahian mereka.
कण्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that true divine status (suratā) is not merely a label but an attainment associated with reaching a realm aligned with cosmic order (Varuṇa’s domain). It implies that proximity to ṛta (moral-cosmic law) and the right ‘place’ or state of being confers genuine excellence and authority.
Kaṇva points out Varuṇa’s magnificent, all-golden palace to his companion addressed as Indra’s friend/ally, emphasizing the palace’s splendor and its significance as a place where the gods attain true godhood.