Shloka 29
Adhyāya 136: Yavakrī–Bharadvāja Saṃvāda and the Bāladhī–Dhanuṣākṣa Gāthā
Arrogance, Boons, and Nimitta
लोगश उवाच निश्चयं तमभिज्ञाय मुनेस्तस्य महात्मन: । प्रतिवारणहेत्वर्थ बुद्धया संचिन्त्य बुद्धिमान्,लोमशजी कहते हैं--युधिष्ठिर! उन महामुनिके उस निश्चयको जानकर बुद्धिमान् इन्द्रने उन्हें रोकनेके लिये बुद्धिपूर्वक कुछ विचार किया और एक ऐसे तपस्वी ब्राह्मणका रूप धारण कर लिया जिसकी उम्र कई सौ वर्षोकी थी, तथा जो यक्ष्माका रोगी और दुर्बल दिखायी देता था
Lomaśa uvāca—niścayaṃ tam abhijñāya munes tasya mahātmanaḥ | pratīvāraṇa-hetv-arthaṃ buddhyā saṃcintya buddhimān ||
Lomaśa said: Having understood the firm resolve of that great-souled sage, the wise Indra reflected carefully, seeking a means to restrain him, and assumed the guise of an ascetic brāhmaṇa—appearing many hundreds of years old, consumptive with disease, and physically weak. The episode underscores how even divine power chooses prudence and nonviolent restraint over force when confronting intense ascetic determination.
लोगश उवाच
Educational Q&A
When confronted with intense resolve born of tapas, the appropriate response is thoughtful restraint rather than coercion. Even Indra chooses deliberation and a nonviolent strategy (disguise) to redirect a potentially disruptive course of action, highlighting dharmic prudence and self-control.
Lomaśa narrates to Yudhiṣṭhira that Indra, realizing a great sage’s unwavering determination, devises a plan to stop or redirect him. Indra reflects and then takes the form of a very old, sickly ascetic brāhmaṇa to approach the sage in a way that can influence him without open confrontation.