Indratīrtha–Ādityatīrtha: Balarāma’s Ritual Bathing, Dāna, and Sacred-Historical Recollections
इत्युक्तो भगवान् देव: स्मयन्निव निरीक्ष्य ताम् उवाच निय मं ज्ञात्वा सांत्वयन्निव भारत
ity ukto bhagavān devaḥ smayann iva nirīkṣya tām uvāca niyamaṃ jñātvā sāntvayann iva bhārata
Setelah disapa demikian, dewa mulia Indra memandangnya seakan-akan tersenyum; setelah memahami disiplin ikrarnya, baginda pun bersabda seolah-olah menenangkan—wahai Bhārata.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights respect for niyama (self-imposed discipline or vow): even a powerful deity responds with understanding and gentle reassurance, implying that sincere restraint and ethical resolve deserve recognition and compassionate guidance.
After Śrutāvatī speaks, Indra observes her with a faint smile, comprehends the nature of her vow/discipline, and then replies in a consoling manner, as narrated by Vaiśampāyana.