Shloka 116
Atithi-satkāra and the Consolation of Wise Counsel (अतिथिसत्कारः प्रज्ञानवचनस्य च पराश्वासनम्)
क्षिप्तश्ष सहसा तेन खण्डनं प्राप्तवांस्तदा
kṣiptaḥ sa sahasā tena khaṇḍanaṁ prāptavāṁs tadā
क्षिप्तश्च सहसा तेन खण्डनं प्राप्तवांस्तदा ॥
तामिन्द्र उवाच गच्छ नहुषस्त्वया वाच्योथ<पूर्वेण मामृषियुक्तेन यानेन त्वमधिरूढ
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral law of consequence: when power is wielded with arrogance and disrespect toward rightful authority and the virtuous, downfall can come abruptly. Dharma protects the humble and restrains the proud; violating it invites ruin.
In the Nahusha–Indra episode alluded to here, Nahusha’s overreach leads to a sudden reversal. He is swiftly cast down and suffers ruin, marking the moment when his inflated authority collapses.