Shloka 7
Vyāsa’s Counsel to Dhṛtarāṣṭra on Restraining Duryodhana (व्यास-धृतराष्ट्र-उपदेशः)
त्रिविष्टपगता राजन् सुरभी प्रारूुदत् किल | गवां माता पुरा तात तामिन्द्रोडन्वकृपायत,राजन! पहलेकी बात है, गोमाता सुरभि स्वर्गलोकमें जाकर फूट-फ़ूटकर रोने लगी। तात! उस समय इन्द्रको उसपर बड़ी दया आयी
triviṣṭapagātā rājan surabhī prārudat kila | gavāṁ mātā purā tāta tām indro 'nvakṛpayata ||
Vyāsa said: “O King, it is said that Surabhī, the mother of the cows, once went to Triviṣṭapa (heaven) and began to weep bitterly. Dear child, seeing her thus, Indra was moved with compassion for her.”
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds compassion as a dharmic response: even the king of gods is stirred by the suffering of a vulnerable, maternal figure (Surabhī, mother of cows). It implicitly elevates the ethical duty to protect and care for cattle and those who sustain life.
Vyāsa begins a past episode: Surabhī goes to heaven (Triviṣṭapa) and weeps intensely. Indra notices her distress and feels pity, setting up the reason for her lament and the ensuing divine response.