Shloka 22
Nāga-prādhānya-nāma-kathana
Principal Nāga Names Enumerated
वालखिल्या ऊचु: इन्द्रार्थो&यं समारम्भ: सर्वेषां न: प्रजापते । अपत्यार्थ समारम्भो भवतश्चायमीप्सित:,वालखिल्योंने कहा--प्रजापते! हम सब लोगोंका यह अनुष्ठान इन्द्रके लिये हुआ था और आपका यह यज्ञसमारोह संतानके लिये अभीष्ट था। अत: इस फलसहित कर्मको आप ही स्वीकार करें और जिसमें सबकी भलाई दिखायी दे, वैसा ही करें
Vālakhilyā ūcuḥ: indrārtho ’yaṃ samārambhaḥ sarveṣāṃ naḥ prajāpate | apatyārtha-samārambho bhavataś cāyam īpsitaḥ ||
Disseram os sábios Vālakhilya: “Ó Prajāpati, este nosso empreendimento foi iniciado por Indra; ao passo que este teu sacrifício é desejado por causa da descendência. Portanto, aceita este rito com o seu fruto e age de modo a promover o bem-estar de todos.”
शौनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical discernment in ritual action: when multiple intentions intersect, the fruit of a rite should be directed toward the common good, and one should act with regard to what benefits all rather than clinging to a narrow claim.
The Vālakhilya sages address Prajāpati, clarifying that their own undertaking was meant for Indra, while Prajāpati’s sacrificial effort is aimed at obtaining offspring. They urge Prajāpati to accept the rite’s fruit and to decide in a way that ensures universal welfare.