Shloka 36
त्रिवर्गमूलनिश्चयः — Determining the Roots of Dharma, Artha, and Kāma
Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 123
महादेवस्ततस्तस्मिन् वृत्ते यज्ञे यथाविधि । दण्डं धर्मस्य गोप्तारं विष्णवे सत्कृतं ददौ
mahādevastatastasmīn vṛtte yajñe yathāvidhi | daṇḍaṃ dharmasya goptāraṃ viṣṇave satkṛtaṃ dadau ||
ヴァスハローマは語った。「その祭祀が規定どおりに正しく成就したとき、マハーデーヴァはダルマの護持者ヴィシュヌを敬って讃え、正しき統治の標（しるし）たる懲罰の杖ダンダ（daṇḍa）をお授けになった。この行いは、悪を抑える力はダルマに奉仕して用いられ、ふさわしき者に託されるべきことを示す。」
वसुहरोम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Legitimate power to punish (daṇḍa) is not mere force; it is a sacred trust meant to protect Dharma. It should be exercised by a worthy guardian with reverence for moral order, not for personal gain.
After a sacrifice is properly completed, Mahādeva honors Viṣṇu and formally hands over the daṇḍa—the symbol of punitive authority and governance—affirming Viṣṇu’s role as protector of Dharma.