Shloka 11
Vasiṣṭhāpavāha: Sarasvatī’s Diversion and Viśvāmitra’s Curse (वसिष्ठापवाहः)
स तूत्कृत्य मृतानां वै मांसानि मुनिसत्तम:
sa tūtkṛtya mṛtānāṁ vai māṁsāni munisattamaḥ | krodhena mahatāviṣṭo dharmātmā vai pratāpavān ||
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは語った。「おお、賢者の中の最勝よ。法にかなった力ある苦行者は、激しい怒りに捉えられ、死せる獣の肉を引き裂いた。」
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a moral tension central to the Mahābhārata: even a dharmātmā (righteous person) can be overtaken by krodha (anger), and that inner disturbance can drive outwardly violent acts. It implicitly warns that spiritual stature and power (pratāpa) do not automatically immunize one against destructive emotions.
Vaiśampāyana narrates an incident about a powerful, righteous ascetic who, overwhelmed by great anger, mutilates the flesh of the dead. The line functions as a vivid description of wrath manifesting in extreme action, setting the tone for the surrounding episode.