Shloka 13
Pañcahotṛ-Vidhāna and the Dispute of the Five Vāyus (पञ्चहोतृविधानम् — पञ्चवायूनां श्रेष्ठत्वविवादः)
अपान: प्रचचाराथ व्यानस्तं पुनरब्रवीत् । श्रेष्ठो5हमस्मि सर्वेषां श्रूयतां येन हेतुना
apānaḥ pracacārātha vyānas taṃ punar abravīt | śreṣṭho ’ham asmi sarveṣāṃ śrūyatāṃ yena hetunā ||
ଏହା ଶୁଣି ଅପାନ ପୁନର୍ବାର ପୂର୍ବବତ୍ ଚଳିଲା। ତାହାପରେ ବ୍ୟାନ ତାକୁ ପୁଣି କହିଲା—“ମୁଁ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଶ୍ରେଷ୍ଠ; ଯେହେତୁ ମୋର ଶ୍ରେଷ୍ଠତା ସିଦ୍ଧ, ସେ କାରଣ ଶୁଣ।”
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets up a didactic comparison among the vital functions (prāṇas): claims of superiority are tested through reason and function. Ethically, it points toward discerning true excellence by service to the whole and recognizing interdependence rather than mere self-assertion.
In the Brahmin’s narration, Apāna returns to its normal course, and Vyāna re-enters the debate, declaring itself the श्रेष्ठ (foremost) and inviting the others to hear the rationale for its claim.