Shloka 94
Atithi-satkāra and the Consolation of Wise Counsel (अतिथिसत्कारः प्रज्ञानवचनस्य च पराश्वासनम्)
विरिज्च इति यत् प्रोक्ते कापिलज्ञानचिन्तकै: । स प्रजापतिरेवाहं चेतनात् सर्वलोककृत्,कपिल मुनिके द्वारा प्रतिपादित सांख्यशास्त्रका विचार करनेवाले दिद्वानोंने जिसे विरिंच कहा है, यह सर्वलोकस्रष्टा प्रजापति 'विरिंच' मैं ही हूँ, क्योंकि मैं ही सबको चेतना प्रदान करता हूँ
viriñca iti yat prokte kāpila-jñāna-cintakaiḥ | sa prajāpatiḥ evāhaṃ cetanāt sarva-loka-kṛt ||
Makhluk yang disebut oleh para pengamat kebijaksanaan Sāṅkhya Kapila sebagai “Viriñca” itu—akulah dia: Prajāpati, pencipta segala alam; kerana akulah yang menganugerahkan kesedaran (cetanā) kepada semua.
तामिन्द्र उवाच गच्छ नहुषस्त्वया वाच्योथ<पूर्वेण मामृषियुक्तेन यानेन त्वमधिरूढ
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes that ultimate status is not merely a matter of labels used in philosophical discourse; it is grounded in the sustaining principle of consciousness. Indra asserts identity with the cosmic progenitor (Viriñca/Prajāpati) by claiming the role of conferring sentience, highlighting a link between metaphysical authority and the capacity to animate and uphold life.
In the Shānti Parva’s didactic setting, Indra speaks in a revelatory tone, identifying himself with the figure called “Viriñca” by Sāṅkhya-oriented thinkers associated with Kapila. The statement functions as a theological clarification within a broader instruction about cosmic order and the principles behind creation and life.