Shloka 11
Indratīrtha–Ādityatīrtha: Balarāma’s Ritual Bathing, Dāna, and Sacred-Historical Recollections
इत्युक्तो भगवान् देव: स्मयन्निव निरीक्ष्य ताम् उवाच निय मं ज्ञात्वा सांत्वयन्निव भारत,भारत! श्रुतावतीके ऐसा कहनेपर भगवान् इन्द्रने मुसकराते हुए-से उसकी ओर देखा और उसके नियमको जानकर उसे सान्त्वना देते हुए-से कहा--
ity ukto bhagavān devaḥ smayann iva nirīkṣya tām uvāca niyamaṃ jñātvā sāntvayann iva bhārata
Thus addressed, the blessed god Indra looked at her as though smiling; understanding the discipline of her vow, he spoke—seeming to console her—O Bhārata.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights respect for niyama (self-imposed discipline or vow): even a powerful deity responds with understanding and gentle reassurance, implying that sincere restraint and ethical resolve deserve recognition and compassionate guidance.
After Śrutāvatī speaks, Indra observes her with a faint smile, comprehends the nature of her vow/discipline, and then replies in a consoling manner, as narrated by Vaiśampāyana.