Shloka 8
Garuḍa’s Assault on the Devas and the Fire-Barrier (अमृत-रक्षा-युद्धम्)
गरुड उवाच किंरूपो ब्राह्म॒णो मात: किंशील: किंपराक्रम:,गरुडने पूछा--माँ! ब्राह्मगका रूप कैसा होता है? उसका शील-स्वभाव कैसा है? तथा उसमें कौन-सा पराक्रम है
garuḍa uvāca | kiṃrūpo brāhmaṇo mātaḥ? kiṃśīlaḥ kiṃparākramaḥ? |
Garuḍa said: “Mother, what is a brāhmaṇa like in appearance? What is his character and conduct? And what kind of prowess does he possess?” In this moment Garuḍa seeks to understand the marks of true brahminhood—outer signs, inner discipline, and the strength that comes from restraint and spiritual power rather than mere physical force.
गरुड उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames brahminhood as something to be recognized through defining qualities—appearance (rūpa), conduct (śīla), and true power (parākrama). It points toward an ethical ideal where inner discipline and spiritual strength are central, not merely external status.
Garuḍa addresses his mother and asks for a description of a brāhmaṇa—how such a person looks, behaves, and what kind of strength he has—setting up guidance about how to identify and relate to a brāhmaṇa within the unfolding story.