Shloka 8
Ūṣā-Haraṇa, Bāṇāsura’s Pride, and Aniruddha’s Capture
Prelude to Hari–Śaṅkara Conflict
तच्छ्रुत्वा भगवान् क्रुद्ध: केतुस्ते भज्यते यदा । त्वद्दर्पघ्नं भवेन्मूढ संयुगं मत्समेन ते ॥ ८ ॥
tac chrutvā bhagavān kruddhaḥ ketus te bhajyate yadā tvad-darpa-ghnaṁ bhaven mūḍha saṁyugaṁ mat-samena te
それを聞いて主シヴァは憤り、こう言った。「愚か者よ、我と同等の者と戦うとき、お前の旗は折れる。その戦いが、お前の驕りを打ち砕く。」
Lord Śiva could have immediately chastised Bāṇāsura and personally destroyed his pride, but since Bāṇāsura had been such a faithful servant of his, Śiva did not do so.
FAQs
This verse portrays demonic arrogance: Bāṇāsura boasts of being “equal” and predicts the opponent’s humiliation—illustrating how pride speaks loudly before it is ultimately checked by the Lord’s arrangement.
After hearing Aniruddha’s bold words, Bāṇāsura becomes enraged and threatens him, claiming the coming combat will break Aniruddha’s banner and pride.
Avoid self-exalting comparisons (“I am equal to anyone”) and recognize that arrogance invites correction; cultivate humility and steady character, especially when challenged.