Shloka 16
Adhyāya 12: Devas’ Petition to Nahūṣa; Bṛhaspati on Śaraṇāgata-Dharma; Indrāṇī’s Strategic Delay
ब॒हस्पतिरुवाच शरणागतं न त्यजेयमिन्द्राणि मम निश्चय: । धर्मज्ञां सत्यशीलां च न त्यजेयमनिन्दिते,बृहस्पतिने कहा--इन्द्राणी! मैं शरणागतका त्याग नहीं कर सकता, यह मेरा दृढ़ निश्चय है। अनिन्दिते! तुम धर्मज्ञ और सत्यशील हो; अतः मैं तुम्हारा त्याग नहीं करूँगा
bṛhaspatir uvāca śaraṇāgataṃ na tyajeyam indrāṇi mama niścayaḥ | dharmajñāṃ satyaśīlāṃ ca na tyajeyam anindite ||
बृहस्पतिरुवाच शरणागतं न त्यजेयमिन्द्राणि मम निश्चयः । धर्मज्ञां सत्यशीलां च न त्यजेयमनिन्दिते ॥
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse upholds the dharmic vow of protecting a śaraṇāgata (one who seeks refuge). Abandoning a supplicant is presented as ethically impermissible, and steadfastness in truth (satya) is affirmed as a guiding virtue.
Bṛhaspati addresses Indrāṇī, declaring his unwavering resolve not to forsake someone who has come seeking protection, and also not to forsake Indrāṇī herself, praising her as blameless, dharma-knowing, and truthful.