Shloka 21
अध्याय २८१ — दानधर्मः, न्यायागतधनम्, ऋणत्रय-परिशोधनं च
Dāna ethics, lawful wealth, and settling obligations
पितामहमुपागम्य शिरसा प्रत्यपूजयत् । भरतभूषण! ब्रह्महत्याने देवराज इन्द्रको अपना बंदी बना ही लिया। वे उसी अवस्थामें ब्रह्माजीके पास गये और मस्तक झुकाकर उन्होंने ब्रह्माजीको प्रणाम किया ।। ज्ञात्वा गृहीतं शक्रं स द्विजप्रवरवध्यया
pitāmaham upāgamya śirasā pratyapūjayat | jñātvā gṛhītaṃ śakraṃ sa dvijapravaravadhyayā ||
Bhīṣma berkata: “Setelah itu dia mendekati Sang Datuk Agung (Brahmā) lalu menundukkan kepala dan memberi penghormatan. Mengetahui bahawa Śakra (Indra) telah ditawan—akibat pembunuhan seorang brāhmaṇa yang utama—dia pergi kepada Brahmā dalam keadaan tunduk dan rendah diri.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights moral accountability: even Indra is constrained by the consequences of brahmahatyā (the grave sin of killing a Brāhmaṇa). Proper response to wrongdoing is humility, reverence toward higher wisdom (Brahmā), and seeking a righteous remedy rather than relying on power or status.
Indra (Śakra), having been seized/held due to the sin arising from killing a foremost Brāhmaṇa, approaches Brahmā (Pitāmaha). He bows his head and offers respectful homage, indicating submission and a request for guidance or resolution.