Shloka 98
Dama-pradhāna-dharma (Self-restraint as the Root of Dharma) — Śānti-parva 154
नदन्ति परुषं श्येना: शिवा: क्रोशन्ति दारुणम् । मृगेन्द्रा: प्रतिनन्दन्ति रविरस्तं च गच्छति
nadanti paruṣaṁ śyenāḥ śivāḥ krośanti dāruṇam | mṛgendrāḥ pratinandanti ravir astaṁ ca gacchati ||
या वनात घार कठोर स्वराने ओरडत आहेत, कोल्हे भयंकर आवाजात हंबरत आहेत; सिंह प्रतिध्वनीत गर्जत आहेत, आणि सूर्य अस्ताला चालला आहे।
गृध्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses natural portents—harsh cries of predators and the setting sun—to convey ethical vigilance: when signs of disorder and danger appear, one should become alert, restrain rash action, and prepare to act according to dharma rather than be swept away by fear or impulse.
A vulture speaks, describing the forest filled with ominous sounds—hawks, jackals, and lions—and noting that the sun is setting. The scene functions as a warning marker in the story, indicating that a perilous moment is imminent.