Shloka 9
Garuḍa’s Assault on the Devas and the Fire-Barrier (अमृत-रक्षा-युद्धम्)
किंस्विदग्निनिभो भाति किंस्वित् सौम्यप्रदर्शन: । यथाहमभिजानीयां ब्राह्मणं लक्षणै: शुभै:
kiṁ svid agninibho bhāti kiṁ svit saumyapradarśanaḥ | yathāham abhijānīyāṁ brāhmaṇaṁ lakṣaṇaiḥ śubhaiḥ ||
गरुड म्हणाला—काय अग्नीप्रमाणे तेजस्वी भासते आणि काय सौम्य, मंगल रूप धारण करते? ज्या शुभ लक्षणांनी मी ब्राह्मणाला नीट ओळखू शकेन, ती मला सांगा.
गरुड उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames an ethical inquiry: true brahminhood should be discerned through ‘śubha-lakṣaṇas’—noble, auspicious characteristics—rather than mere claim or appearance, emphasizing discernment of virtue and conduct.
Garuḍa asks for criteria to identify a genuine brāhmaṇa, contrasting fiery radiance and gentle demeanor, seeking reliable signs by which he can recognize brahminical character in the unfolding encounter.