Shloka 13
Pañcahotṛ-Vidhāna and the Dispute of the Five Vāyus (पञ्चहोतृविधानम् — पञ्चवायूनां श्रेष्ठत्वविवादः)
अपान: प्रचचाराथ व्यानस्तं पुनरब्रवीत् । श्रेष्ठो5हमस्मि सर्वेषां श्रूयतां येन हेतुना,यह सुनकर अपान भी पूर्ववत् चलने लगा। तब व्यानने उससे फिर कहा--'मैं ही सबसे श्रेष्ठ हूँ। मेरी श्रेष्ठतठाका कारण क्या है। वह सुनो
apānaḥ pracacārātha vyānas taṃ punar abravīt | śreṣṭho ’ham asmi sarveṣāṃ śrūyatāṃ yena hetunā ||
अपानः पुनः प्रचचार; अथ व्यानस्तं पुनरब्रवीत्—“श्रेष्ठोऽहमस्मि सर्वेषां; श्रूयतां येन हेतुना।”
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.