Shloka 13
Pañcahotṛ-Vidhāna and the Dispute of the Five Vāyus (पञ्चहोतृविधानम् — पञ्चवायूनां श्रेष्ठत्वविवादः)
अपान: प्रचचाराथ व्यानस्तं पुनरब्रवीत् । श्रेष्ठो5हमस्मि सर्वेषां श्रूयतां येन हेतुना
apānaḥ pracacārātha vyānas taṃ punar abravīt | śreṣṭho ’ham asmi sarveṣāṃ śrūyatāṃ yena hetunā ||
हे ऐकून अपान पुन्हा पूर्ववत् चालू लागला. तेव्हा व्यान त्याला पुन्हा म्हणाला—“मीच सर्वांत श्रेष्ठ आहे; माझी श्रेष्ठता ज्या कारणाने सिद्ध होते ते ऐक.”
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets up a didactic comparison among the vital functions (prāṇas): claims of superiority are tested through reason and function. Ethically, it points toward discerning true excellence by service to the whole and recognizing interdependence rather than mere self-assertion.
In the Brahmin’s narration, Apāna returns to its normal course, and Vyāna re-enters the debate, declaring itself the श्रेष्ठ (foremost) and inviting the others to hear the rationale for its claim.