Shloka 4
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 13: Śacī’s Delay, Deva-Counsel, and Indra’s Purification
देवराजमथोवाच नहुषं घोरदर्शनम् | कालमिच्छाम्यहं लब्धुं त्वत्त: कंचित् सुरेश्वर,नहुषके ऐसा कहनेपर पतिव्रता देवी शची भयसे उद्विग्न हो तेज हवामें हिलनेवाले केलेके वृक्षकी भाँति काँपने लगीं। उन्होंने मस्तक झुकाकर ब्रह्माजीको प्रणाम किया और भयंकर दृष्टिवाले देवराज नहुषसे हाथ जोड़कर कहा--*देवेश्वर! मैं आपसे कुछ समयकी अवधि लेना चाहती हूँ
devarājam athovāca nahuṣaṃ ghoradarśanam | kālam icchāmy ahaṃ labdhuṃ tvattaḥ kañcit sureśvara ||
देवराजमथोवाच नहुषं घोरदर्शनम् । कालमिच्छाम्यहं लब्धुं त्वत्तः कञ्चित् सुरेश्वर ॥
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical check on power: even a ruler styled as “lord of the gods” should not act through intimidation. Śacī’s request for time models prudent speech and self-protection, appealing to restraint and due process rather than yielding to coercion.
Śacī, frightened by Nahūṣa’s threatening demeanor while he holds Indra’s position, addresses him respectfully and asks for a short respite (“some time”). In the broader episode, this pause becomes a means to seek counsel and avert an unrighteous demand.