Shloka 18
Vānaprastha-dharma and Tapas: Śiva–Umā Saṃvāda
Forest-Stage Discipline and Austerity
कस्यचित् त्वथ कालस्य देवदूतो यदृच्छया । स्थितो हाुन्त्हितो भूत्वा पर्यईभाषत वासवम्,एक समयकी बात है, एक देवदूतने अकस्मात् पहुँचकर आकाशमें स्थित हो इन्द्रसे कहा--
kasyacit tv atha kālasya devadūto yadṛcchayā | sthito hāntahito bhūtvā paryabhāṣata vāsavam ||
Bhishma bersabda: Pada suatu ketika, seorang utusan dewa datang secara kebetulan. Berdiri di angkasa, dia berkata kepada Vāsava (Indra).
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets up an ethical instruction: dharma can be clarified through timely counsel, even delivered unexpectedly, and even powerful rulers like Indra are portrayed as receptive to guidance.
Bhishma begins a brief episode: a divine messenger appears in the sky and addresses Indra, introducing a forthcoming message or admonition relevant to righteous conduct.