Shloka 14
Śārṅgaka-stuti to Agni during the Khāṇḍava Conflagration (शार्ङ्गक-स्तुतिः / अग्नि-स्तुतिः)
अब्रवीन्नपशार्दूल तत्कालसदृशं वच: । दिधक्षुं खाण्डवं दावमकामस्य शतक्रतो:
abravīn napaśārdūla tatkālasadṛśaṃ vacaḥ | didhakṣuṃ khāṇḍavaṃ dāvam akāmasya śatakratoḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana disse: “Ó tigre entre os homens, ele proferiu palavras adequadas àquele momento — acerca da intenção de incendiar a floresta de Khāṇḍava, embora Śatakratu (Indra) não o desejasse.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the importance of speaking and acting in a way that is ‘tatkāla-sadṛśa’—appropriate to the moment—especially when duty-driven action creates ethical tension, even against divine resistance. It frames discernment and timely counsel as crucial in navigating contested dharma.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that a timely statement was made regarding the intention to burn the Khāṇḍava forest, despite Indra’s unwillingness. This sets the stage for the Khāṇḍava-dahana episode, where human heroes and divine powers come into conflict over the fate of the forest.