Shloka 13
इन्द्रवृत्रयुद्धवर्णनम्
Indra–Vṛtra Conflict and the Adversaries’ Tapas-Targeting Counsel
ततो$भिवाद्य तमृषिमिल्वलो वाक्यमब्रवीत् । दित्सितं यदि वेत्सि त्वं ततो दास्यामि ते वसु,तब इल्वलने महर्षिको प्रणाम करके कहा--'मैं कितना धन देना चाहता हूँ? यह बात यदि आप जान लें तो मैं आपको धन दूँगा"
tato 'bhivādya tam ṛṣim ilvalo vākyam abravīt | ditsitaṃ yadi vetsi tvaṃ tato dāsyāmi te vasu ||
Then Ilvala, having respectfully saluted that sage, spoke these words: “If you can discern what I intend to give, then I will grant you wealth.” In the narrative context, the offer is framed as a test of insight and a challenge to the ascetic’s spiritual discernment, hinting at the ethical tension between apparent generosity and concealed motive.
लोगमश उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment (viveka) as essential to dharma: apparent gifts and polite words may conceal harmful intent, so a wise person must see beyond surface generosity before accepting wealth or favors.
Ilvala approaches a sage, offers respectful salutations, and then challenges him: if the sage can identify what Ilvala intends to give, Ilvala promises to bestow wealth—setting up a test that foreshadows trickery or a concealed agenda.