Shloka 14
Śārṅgaka-stuti to Agni during the Khāṇḍava Conflagration (शार्ङ्गक-स्तुतिः / अग्नि-स्तुतिः)
अब्रवीन्नपशार्दूल तत्कालसदृशं वच: । दिधक्षुं खाण्डवं दावमकामस्य शतक्रतो:
abravīn napaśārdūla tatkālasadṛśaṃ vacaḥ | didhakṣuṃ khāṇḍavaṃ dāvam akāmasya śatakratoḥ ||
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは言った。「人中の虎よ、彼はその時にふさわしい言葉を語った――シャタクラトゥ（インドラ）が望まぬにもかかわらず、カーンダヴァの森を野火として焼き払おうとする意図についてである。」
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the importance of speaking and acting in a way that is ‘tatkāla-sadṛśa’—appropriate to the moment—especially when duty-driven action creates ethical tension, even against divine resistance. It frames discernment and timely counsel as crucial in navigating contested dharma.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that a timely statement was made regarding the intention to burn the Khāṇḍava forest, despite Indra’s unwillingness. This sets the stage for the Khāṇḍava-dahana episode, where human heroes and divine powers come into conflict over the fate of the forest.