Shloka 191
Adhyāya 284: Tapas as a Corrective to Household Attachment
Parāśara’s Instruction
एवमुक्त्वा महादेव: सपत्नीक: सहानुग: । अदर्शनमनुप्राप्तो दक्षस्पामितविक्रम:
evam uktvā mahādevaḥ sapatnīkaḥ sahānugaḥ | adarśanam anuprāpto dakṣaspāmitavikramaḥ ||
Having spoken thus, Mahādeva—accompanied by his consort and followed by his attendants—vanished from sight, after displaying his immeasurable might in the Dakṣa-sacrifice episode. The narrative underscores that divine power is not merely force but a moral authority that withdraws once its purpose—restoring order and checking arrogance—has been fulfilled.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Power aligned with dharma acts decisively to curb arrogance and restore order, then withdraws without attachment. The verse hints that ritual status or social pride cannot override moral truth; divine authority is ultimately ethical, not merely ceremonial.
After delivering his words, Mahādeva, accompanied by his consort and attendants, becomes invisible—departing the scene—having demonstrated extraordinary might in connection with Dakṣa’s sacrificial episode.