Shloka 17
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 209: Śaraṇāgati of the Cursed Apsarases; Nārītīrtha-prasiddhi; Arjuna’s Vimocana
पृथिव्यां ये तप:सिद्धा दान्ता: शमपरायणा: । तयोर्भयाद् दुद्गर॒ुवुस्ते वैनतेयादिवोरगा:,जैसे साँप गरुड़के डरसे भाग जाते हैं, उसी प्रकार भूमण्डलके जितेन्द्रिय, शान्तिपरायण एवं तपः:सिद्ध महात्मा भी उन दोनों दैत्योंके भयसे भाग जाते थे
pṛthivyāṃ ye tapaḥ-siddhā dāntāḥ śama-parāyaṇāḥ | tayor bhayād dudruvus te vainateyād ivoragāḥ ||
Even those on earth who are perfected through austerity—self-restrained and devoted to inner calm—would flee in fear of those two (daityas), just as serpents scatter at the approach of Vainateya (Garuḍa). The verse underscores how unchecked power and terror can drive even the spiritually accomplished from their rightful abodes, contrasting true inner mastery with the outward dominance of violent beings.
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Spiritual attainment (tapas, dama, śama) signifies inner mastery, yet social conditions dominated by violent, adharmic power can force even the virtuous to withdraw. The verse highlights the ethical contrast between inner restraint and outward tyranny, and the vulnerability of dharmic life when fear rules.
Nārada describes the oppressive fear caused by two daityas: even accomplished ascetics on earth flee from them, just as snakes flee from Garuḍa (Vainateya). The simile intensifies the sense of panic and the daityas’ overwhelming menace.