Shloka 36
त्रिवर्गमूलनिश्चयः — Determining the Roots of Dharma, Artha, and Kāma
Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 123
महादेवस्ततस्तस्मिन् वृत्ते यज्ञे यथाविधि । दण्डं धर्मस्य गोप्तारं विष्णवे सत्कृतं ददौ
mahādevastatastasmīn vṛtte yajñe yathāvidhi | daṇḍaṃ dharmasya goptāraṃ viṣṇave satkṛtaṃ dadau ||
Disse Vasuharoma: Quando aquele sacrifício foi devidamente concluído segundo o rito, Mahādeva honrou Viṣṇu—protetor do Dharma—e lhe entregou o daṇḍa, o bastão do castigo, emblema do governo justo. O gesto significa que o poder de conter o mal deve ser exercido a serviço do Dharma e confiado a quem dele seja digno.
वसुहरोम उवाच
Educational Q&A
Legitimate power to punish (daṇḍa) is not mere force; it is a sacred trust meant to protect Dharma. It should be exercised by a worthy guardian with reverence for moral order, not for personal gain.
After a sacrifice is properly completed, Mahādeva honors Viṣṇu and formally hands over the daṇḍa—the symbol of punitive authority and governance—affirming Viṣṇu’s role as protector of Dharma.