Shloka 18
Pātāla-varṇana (Nārada’s Description of the Netherworld) / पातालवर्णनम्
अग्निरेष महार्चिष्माज्जागर्ति वारुणे हदे । वैष्णवं चक्रमाविद्धं विधूमेन हविष्मता,ये महातेजस्वी अग्निदेव वरुणदेवताके सरोवरमें प्रकाशित होते हैं। इन धूमरहित अग्निदेवने भगवान् विष्णुके सुदर्शनचक्रको भी अवरुद्ध कर दिया था
agnir eṣa mahārcīṣmāj jāgarti vāruṇe hrade | vaiṣṇavaṃ cakram āviddhaṃ vidhūmena haviṣmatā ||
Kaṇva berkata: “Lihatlah Dewa Api ini—menyala dengan nyala yang besar, berjaga di dalam tasik Varuṇa. Dengan persembahan (havis) yang naik tanpa asap, baginda bahkan pernah menahan cakra Viṣṇu.”
कण्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the potency of pure, disciplined sacrificial action (smokeless oblation) and vigilant self-mastery: dharmic power rooted in restraint and right ritual can curb even overwhelming force.
Kaṇva points out a wondrous sight: the radiant Agni is present and watchful in Varuṇa’s lake, and through smokeless offerings he is described as having checked even Viṣṇu’s discus—an image underscoring extraordinary divine and ritual power.