Shloka 2
Udyoga Parva Adhyāya 103: Garuḍa’s Protest, Viṣṇu’s Demonstration, and Counsel Toward Śama
शक्रस्थायं सखा चैव मन्त्री सारथिरेव च । अल्पान्तरप्रभावश्नल वासवेन रणे रणे,इन्द्रके मित्र, मन्त्री और सारथि सब कुछ यही हैं। प्रत्येक युद्धमें ये इन्द्रके साथ रहते हैं। इनका प्रभाव इन्द्रसे कुछ ही कम है
śakrasyāyaṃ sakhā caiva mantrī sārathir eva ca | alpāntara-prabhāvaś ca vāsavena raṇe raṇe ||
Nārada berkata: “Dialah benar-benar sahabat karib Śakra—penasihatnya, bahkan juga kusirnya. Dalam setiap peperangan dia berdiri di sisi Vāsava; kekuatannya hanya sedikit kurang daripada Indra.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and political value of steadfast companionship: a ruler’s strength is amplified by a trusted ally who can serve as friend, adviser, and practical support in crisis—so close in capability that the difference in power is minimal.
Nārada is describing a particular figure’s exceptional closeness to Indra (Śakra/Vāsava), emphasizing that this person accompanies Indra in every battle and functions simultaneously as confidant, minister, and charioteer, nearly matching Indra’s own might.